Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and PLP party leader Martha Karua on Thursday, June 25, joined families of Gen Z protesters killed during the June 2024 demonstrations in laying wreaths outside Parliament Buildings in Nairobi.
The two opposition leaders were accompanied by former Chief Justice David Maraga, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa and Siaya Governor James Orengo during the commemorative event.
The procession, which began at Serena Hotel, saw the families of the deceased and opposition leaders march to Parliament Buildings to honour those who lost their lives during the anti-government protests a year ago.
Kalonzo, Karua lead tribute to June 2024 Gen Z protest victims. Photo: Courtesy.
Despite a heavy police presence around Parliament, the group proceeded with the memorial ceremony and successfully laid the wreaths in remembrance of the victims.
Earlier, during a press briefing at Serena Hotel, Kalonzo pledged that if the opposition forms the next government after the 2027 General Election, June 25 would be officially recognised as a public holiday to commemorate the Gen Z protests and the issues raised by the young demonstrators.
Meanwhile, Gillian Munyao, the mother of the late Rex Masai, called for justice for families that lost loved ones during the demonstrations, insisting that those responsible for the deaths should be held accountable.
She maintained that compensation alone would not be sufficient without criminal accountability for the officers involved.
Ahead of the commemoration, police officers fortified Parliament Buildings with barbed wire and deployed a large contingent of security personnel to guard the area.
Security agencies also mounted roadblocks on major routes leading into Nairobi’s Central Business District, including Thika Road, Waiyaki Way, Mombasa Road, Lang’ata Road and Ngong Road.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli said the roadblocks were part of enhanced security measures aimed at screening individuals for weapons and preventing suspected criminal elements from infiltrating the demonstrations.
