Nairobi, Kenya – Two years after a series of deadly anti-government demonstrations gripped Kenya, families of those who lost their lives gathered outside the nation’s parliament this week. They placed flowers on barbed wire barricades erected by authorities, a poignant act of remembrance and a renewed call for justice for the more than 80 individuals killed during the youth-led protests.
The somber anniversary was marked by a heavy police presence across the capital and other major cities, with security forces blocking key roads and deploying officers to prevent large-scale gatherings. Despite calls for nationwide demonstrations, turnout in Nairobi appeared more subdued compared to the intense clashes witnessed in 2024.
Authorities reported 355 arrests nationwide as they sought to contain any potential unrest. The barricading of parliament specifically aimed to deter relatives from approaching the building to lay wreaths, underscoring the ongoing tension between citizens demanding accountability and a government determined to maintain order.
A somber anniversary amidst heavy security
The scene outside parliament was one of quiet defiance, as grieving relatives, accompanied by a small contingent of activists and opposition figures, attempted to make their voices heard. The barbed wire, a stark symbol of division, became an impromptu memorial for those lost.
Central Nairobi remained largely deserted, with many businesses and schools closed in anticipation of potential disturbances. Commuters found themselves stranded on the city’s outskirts due to extensive roadblocks, highlighting the widespread disruption caused by the security measures.
Voices of grief and defiance
Among those present was Jacinta Anyango, whose 12-year-old son, Kennedy, was killed in the 2024 clashes on the periphery of Nairobi. Her plea was clear: “All I want is for the government to bring the officers responsible for killing our children before us and let them apologise.” Her anguish reflected a broader sentiment of betrayal and a demand for concrete action.
Anyango also questioned the political implications of the government’s response, asking, “Who does the president expect to vote for him next year if he continues killing us like this?” This statement encapsulates the deep public discontent and the potential electoral consequences facing the current administration.
Caroline Mutisya, who came to honor her late son, Erickson, expressed her unease amidst the heavy police deployment. “I came here today to remember my son who was killed just 50 metres from parliament buildings,” she stated, adding, “But I do not feel safe enough to express myself.” Her words underscored the climate of fear that many felt, even as they sought to commemorate their loved ones.
Nationwide dissent and official response
While Nairobi saw a muted turnout, other parts of the country experienced more visible demonstrations. In the coastal city of Mombasa, hundreds of young protesters, clad in black and draped in Kenyan flags, marched through the streets. Escorted by security officers, they carried banners that demanded justice and an end to extra-judicial killings, reflecting a nationwide concern.
Pockets of clashes erupted in the capital, with security forces deploying tear gas to disperse demonstrators, who in turn responded by throwing stones. Footage from local television showed fires burning in the Githurai area near Nairobi, as protesters engaged in confrontations with police. Officers on horseback were also seen dispersing crowds, illustrating the varied tactics employed by law enforcement.
Deputy police chief Gilbert Masengeli addressed the public, asserting that roadblocks were necessary to prevent criminals and weapons from entering Nairobi. He maintained that the country had remained calm, with citizens purportedly going about their daily activities without significant disruption, a narrative that contrasted sharply with reports from the ground.
The 2024 protests: Roots of a deadly confrontation
The catalyst for the initial unrest in June 2024 was widespread anger over controversial tax proposals introduced by the government. Tens of thousands of Kenyans took to the streets, culminating in the storming of parliament and the eventual withdrawal of the contentious finance bill. This public outcry demonstrated the power of collective action against unpopular government policies.
However, the protests were marred by accusations of excessive force used by security forces. An investigation found evidence suggesting that police had deliberately aimed to kill protesters, raising serious questions about the state’s conduct during civil unrest. This finding fueled public outrage and contributed to the ongoing demands for accountability.
In the aftermath of the 2024 demonstrations, dozens of individuals were reportedly abducted, with allegations pointing to members of the security forces. Some victims were later found severely beaten, while others were discovered deceased, intensifying concerns about enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. These incidents have deeply eroded public trust in law enforcement and the government’s commitment to human rights.
Government’s compensation offer and public discontent
President William Ruto, last week, announced a compensation fund of nearly $15 million, intended for approximately 2,000 victims of protest-related human rights abuses identified between 2017 and 2025. Ruto emphasized that this compensation was not a “price for life, pain or loss” and should not be misconstrued as rewarding violence or criminality.
Despite the government’s gesture, human rights organizations have largely rejected the compensation plan. Their criticisms center on the exclusion of certain victims, what they deem as inadequate payouts, and a pervasive lack of transparency in the allocation process. These groups argue that true justice requires more than financial compensation; it demands accountability for those responsible for the abuses.
Political landscape and upcoming elections
President Ruto faces mounting public discontent ahead of the 2027 general elections. Critics accuse his administration of failing to deliver on crucial campaign promises, leading to a growing sense of disillusionment among the populace. This perceived failure to address core economic and social issues contributes to the environment ripe for protest.
Ruto, however, rejects these claims, insisting that his government has fulfilled most of its pledges and is prepared to defend its record as he seeks re-election. The political landscape remains volatile, with various factions vying for influence and public support.
Opposition leaders, including Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, and Eugene Wamalwa, joined the families and activists in their march to parliament, signaling a unified front against the government’s handling of the protests and the broader issues of governance. This convergence of opposition figures with grassroots movements amplifies the calls for reform and justice.
Conversely, Rigathi Gachagua, Ruto’s former deputy and now a fierce rival, urged young activists to avoid street protests, citing concerns about potential violence. Instead, he advocated for a symbolic show of dissent from home. This divergence in tactical advice highlights the fragmented political strategies employed by different political actors in Kenya’s dynamic political scene.
