Today marks two years since the historic Gen Z-led uprising of June 25, 2024, a defining moment when thousands of young Kenyans courageously took to the streets to defend the Constitution, demand accountability, and reject an oppressive governance orchestrated through a punitive tax regime in the Finance Bill 2024. We remember the young lives that were cut short. Many young people were killed, injured, abducted, traumatized, and persecuted simply for exercising their constitutional rights. Their sacrifice remains etched in the conscience of our nation and in the unfinished struggle to realize the promise of Kenya’s Constitution. Yet, two years later, many of the issues that drove citizens to the streets remain unresolved: the high cost of living continues to burden millions of families; concerns about corruption, public debt, economic exclusion, unemployment, police brutality, and shrinking civic space persist.

Today, thousands of Kenyans across the country have taken to the streets to commemorate those who lost their lives while demanding justice, accountability, and economic dignity. Peaceful marches, vigils, memorial gatherings, and acts of remembrance have been witnessed in Nairobi, Mombasa, and other towns. 

The day has been marked by the closure of major roads leading into Nairobi’s Central Business District, the erection of barricades around Parliament and other public institutions, and the deployment of large numbers of police officers to organising spaces of citizens. While many citizens sought to exercise their constitutional rights peacefully, movement has been severely restricted in several areas, disrupting transport, businesses, and access to public spaces.

Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi! expresses deep concern over the violations witnessed during today’s commemorative activities. Reports indicate arbitrary arrests of protesters, activists, and content creators.  Law enforcement officers have lobbed tear gas against demonstrators in several locations, including Githurai, Jogoo Road, University Way, and other parts of Nairobi. Other areas witnessing police violence include Karatina and Kitale.

Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi! calls upon the Government of Kenya and all state agencies to uphold and protect the constitutional rights of all citizens:

•  We demand an immediate end to arbitrary arrests, intimidation, and the excessive use of force against peaceful demonstrators. 
• We call for the unconditional release of all individuals detained for exercising their constitutional freedoms and urge the National Police Service to act with restraint, professionalism, and respect for human rights standards. 
• We demand transparent and independent investigations into all incidents of police misconduct and accountability for past and present violations.

Article 1 of the Constitution of Kenya affirms that all sovereign power belongs to the people of Kenya and shall be exercised only in accordance with the Constitution. The demonstrations witnessed on June 25, 2024, and those held today, are an expression of that sovereign power. Article 37 guarantees every person the right, peaceably and unarmed, to assemble, demonstrate, picket, and present petitions to public authorities. Article 33 protects freedom of expression, while Article 35 guarantees the right of access to information. These rights are fundamental pillars of our democracy and must not be curtailed through intimidation, unlawful restrictions, or excessive use of force.

Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi! calls on all Kenyans to transform remembrance into action, grief into solidarity, and courage into sustained civic engagement. The future of Kenya will not be determined by fear, repression, or silence; it will be shaped by citizens who choose to participate, organize, and hold power accountable. Kenya belongs to its people, and its future must be decided by its people. 

Dr. Kawive, Wambua 
CEO Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi!