Kenya’s Unhealed Wounds: Two Years After Deadly Protests, Families Demand Justice Amid Crackdowns
Protesters gather near Kenya’s Parliament in Nairobi, waving Kenyan flags during a demonstration marking two years since the violent 2024 anti-government protests. (AP Photo/Henry Naminde)
NAIROBI, Kenya — The streets of Nairobi were once again choked with tension on Thursday, June 25, 2026, as Kenya marked the second anniversary of the deadly 2024 anti-government protests. Hundreds were arrested, tear gas filled the air, and families of the victims—still grieving—demanded justice and accountability from a government that has yet to deliver on its promises of reparations.
The protests, which erupted on June 25, 2024, were sparked by contentious tax hikes proposed in the finance bill, a move that Kenyans argued would deepen economic hardship amid soaring costs of living. What began as peaceful demonstrations quickly escalated into violent clashes when police opened fire outside Parliament, leaving at least 60 people dead and hundreds more injured. The storming of the Parliament building by protesters became a defining moment of the unrest, symbolizing public frustration with government inaction.
A Government Divided: Compensation Without Justice
President William Ruto, who had initially approved the protests under strict conditions, warned that the demonstrations should not disrupt daily life or “shut down the country.” However, his administration’s response to the anniversary was met with skepticism and anger from victims’ families and opposition leaders alike.
The government had pledged a $15 million compensation fund for the victims, framing it as a “state acknowledgment of harm”—though not an admission of guilt. Yet, two years later, the disbursement of funds remains fragmented and opaque, leaving many families in limbo.
Edith Wanjiku, whose 19-year-old son, Ibrahim Kamau, was shot dead near Parliament in 2024, expressed frustration over the slow and selective compensation process. “Only two out of 10 families whose children were killed that day have received compensation,” she told reporters. “We have submitted all necessary documents to the Kenya Human Rights Commission, yet we are still waiting. What criteria is the government using?”
Similarly, Gillian Munyao, whose son Rex Masai was also among the victims, rejected the compensation as insufficient. “Money cannot bring back my son,” she declared. “The real justice would be arresting the killer cops who fired at unarmed protesters.”
Police Crackdown: Hundreds Detained, Tear Gas Deployed
In anticipation of the anniversary protests, Kenyan police implemented heavy security measures, including roadblocks on major highways, barricades around Parliament, and the closure of businesses in central Nairobi. Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen announced that 355 “criminals” had been arrested across Nairobi and other towns, citing the need to “protect businesses and avert chaos.”
However, journalists and witnesses reported that many of those detained were ordinary Kenyans—students, workers, and activists—rather than violent agitators. Protesters attempting to deliver a petition to Nairobi’s main police station were met with tear gas and baton charges, further escalating tensions.
Opposition Leaders Join the Call for Transparency
The protests were not just a family affair; leading opposition figures—including former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, former Justice Minister Martha Karua, and former Chief Justice David Maraga—joined the march, symbolizing a united front against government intransigence.
“The compensation process must be transparent,” Karua stated during the demonstration. “Families deserve answers—not just money, but accountability for those responsible for the bloodshed.”
The chair of the compensation panel, Makau Mutua, had earlier assured that “every verified claim would be paid,” but the lack of clarity on the selection process has fueled distrust.
A Fragile Peace Under Scrutiny
While three police officers have been charged in connection with the deaths, many families argue that impunity remains widespread. Violent protests are not uncommon in Kenya, and past crackdowns have often seen little to no consequences for security forces.
President Ruto’s administration has defended its handling of the crisis, insisting that the compensation is a goodwill gesture rather than an admission of wrongdoing. Yet, for the families of the victims, words ring hollow without visible justice.
The Unfinished Struggle for Dignity
As the anniversary protests wound down, the unresolved grievances of 2024 lingered. The barbed-wire barricades around Parliament, the tear gas canisters scattered on the streets, and the silent vigils of mourning mothers all served as reminders of a nation still grappling with its past.
Kenyan police officers detain protesters near Parliament during the June 25, 2026, demonstration. (AP Photo/Henry Naminde)
A protester holds flowers as families of the 2024 victims demand justice outside Parliament. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
Police officers stand guard amid tear gas as demonstrators present a petition to authorities. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
Families of the 2024 protest victims lay wreaths at the barricades, calling for accountability. (AP Photo/Henry Naminde)
The question remains: Will Kenya ever move beyond the shadow of 2024, or will the cycle of protest, repression, and unfulfilled promises continue? For now, the answer lies in the unanswered demands of those who lost loved ones—and the government’s willingness to confront its failures.
