Opposition leaders are intensifying demands for June 25 to officially be recognised as a national day of remembrance for young Kenyans killed during last year’s anti-government protests.
The date marks the peak of the unrest, when dozens of young demonstrators were shot dead after breaching Parliament grounds on June 25, 2024. Human rights organizations and witnesses say police officers opened fire using live ammunition on unarmed protestors.
Speaking on Spice FM on Monday, April 28, Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni called for the day to be enshrined in the national calendar as a tribute to the youth who gave their lives while demanding accountability from the state.
“These youths sacrificed everything to confront injustice head-on. Honoring them with a national holiday is the least we can do to preserve their legacy and ensure their message endures,” Kioni said.
Driven largely by Gen Z and coordinated through digital platforms, the protests shook the nation and brought to light widespread disillusionment among young people over unemployment, corruption, and poor governance.
Kioni emphasized that officially acknowledging June 25 would serve both as a memorial and a constant reminder to leaders about the price of ignoring public outcry.
“This is more than a date—it represents defiance, courage, and a warning to those in power,” he said.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka had earlier, in February 2025, called for June 25 to be declared a public holiday. He described it as a true day of liberation, in honour of Gen Z protestors who lost their lives standing up against oppression.
“I want to propose, very seriously, that June 25, which I call J25, be made a public holiday to pay tribute to the young people who were killed that day. If the youth support it, we will move forward with making it official,” Kalonzo said during the launch of the People’s Liberation Party.
The proposal has already gained traction among civil society groups and youth movements, who see the date as a pivotal moment in Kenya’s democratic journey.
