Wreaths, barriers mark protest anniversary
National
By
Josphat Thiong’o and Victor Budi
| Jun 26, 2026
A woman and human rights defenders lay wreaths on Parliament Road in Nairobi during Gen Z anniversary protests, on June 25, 2026. [Kanyiri Wahito, Standard]
The image of families laying wreaths on the barbed wire surrounding Parliament marked the second anniversary of the 2024 anti-tax protests that brought the country to a standstill on Thursday.
Accompanied by activists and a section of leaders from the opposition, the bereaved families had earlier walked from upper hill to Parliament Road, in a bid to honor their loved ones once more.
They had planned to lay flowers outside the gates of Parliament in memory of those they described as martyrs of Gen Z protests, during which more than 60 people were killed and many others injured.
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But on arrival, they were met by armed police officers, barbed wire blocking their way, and firm orders to leave the area instead of the access and condolences they had hoped for.
Unfazed, they sat on the road in protest, demanding entry into Parliament, sparking a tense standoff.
Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud later defended the security deployment, urging the group to disperse after laying flowers at the barricades.
“If they are real Kenyans, let them leave now so that others can go about their business, they should also consider other Kenyans,” said Mohamud.
He argued that authorities could not prioritise the rights of one group over those of the wider public.
“For those who were killed, we are sorry, but those who are alive, life has to go on. It is over now, I think activists can be on their way,” added Mohamud.
Human rights defenders Hussein Khalid, Boniface Mwangi and families of Gen-Z protests victims lay flowers along Parliament Road in Nairobi, June 25, 2026. [Kanyiri Wahito, Standard]
Mohamud dismissed claims that police had locked down Nairobi’s central business district, saying officers had mounted the operation to prevent criminal gangs from entering the city centre.
Among the bereaved families who joined the protest was Julia Munyoka, the mother of slain Rex Masai. She called for the arrest of the police officers linked to her son’s death, saying the compensation of about Sh3 million was not enough. She insisted on accountability.
“My son is gone and despite the government moving to compensate the families of protest victims, we are saying it is not enough. The killer cops must be arrested. We want justice,” she said. Also present was Jacinta Anyango, the mother of 12-year-old Kennedy Onyango.
Other bereaved families included Caroline Mutisia, mother of Erikson, who was killed outside Parliament, and Edith Wanjiku, mother to 19-year-old Ibrahim Kamau. Also present was Phebe Akumu, mother of 16-year-old Kevin Odhiambo, who was shot by police during the 2024 protests outside Parliament. Mary, the mother of Denis Chege, who disappeared in June 2022, also joined the march in solidarity.
United Opposition leaders Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, Martha Karua, families of Gen-Z protest victims and activists march along Uhuru Highway in Nairobi, on June 25, 2026. [Kanyiri Wahito, Standard]
They were accompanied by political leaders, including Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, Siaya Governor James Orengo and Eugene Wamalwa, who accused police of excessive force, saying barricades blocked the commemoration.
Speaking outside Serena Hotel before marching to Parliament to lay wreaths, they said restrictions would not stop calls for justice and accountability for those killed and injured.
Kalonzo said the group aimed to honour victims and push for the day to become a national holiday.
“God willing, when we get elected next year, we shall formalise this day as a proper public holiday,” he said.
Karua questioned the heavy police presence, dismissing claims of planned violence.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga said the event honoured lost lives and demanded accountability. Compensation is fine, but no money can buy a life,” adding that those responsible must be arrested and prosecuted for justice to be seen as served.
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen praised the peaceful protests and said 355 arrests were made countrywide.