Youths march in Nairobi to honour victims of anti-government protests

A woman displays a photo of her son killed during anti-government demonstrations. She was arrested along Koinange Street on July 25, 2024. [Kanyiri Wahito, Standard]

Youths and human rights activists marched in Nairobi Thursday to honour their peers killed during the anti-government protests. 

They laid flowers along Kenyatta Avenue to honour more than 50 people who have died so far since the protests began a month ago. 

Accompanied by families of the slain protestors the activists demanded justice, accusing the police of using excessive force to control demonstrations. 

"We lost comrades and we are here to demand justice. We are not okay with how the police are brutalising innocent Kenyans," said Debra Nashipai, an activist.

She maintained that they will not relent in criticising the government.

"We are only asking for accountability and good governance and leadership," said Nashipai.

The activist castigated the nomination of opposition leaders to President William Ruto's Cabinet terming the move unfortunate. 

"The leaders have told the citizens that they don't have our interest. They have blatantly ignored our concerns," said Mwenda Ntai, a protestor.

They also expressed displeasure with the recycling of former Cabinet members who were dismissed following demands by Generation Z protesters.

"We are tired of this regime. What was the essence of firing the Cabinet only to recycle them?" Ntai paused. 

"We are basically calling for justice. If President Ruto can't lead, let him leave the work to people who are ready. He can't rule us with fear, old tactics are long gone," said Ntai. 

Earlier, the police lobbed teargas canisters to disperse protestors who had gathered in town. The protesters had planned to march to Parliament to lay flowers in honour of the fallen victims. 

"The police have denied the families the opportunity to peacefully pay tribute to their kin killed  during protests. We are heartbroken," stated Nashipai.

The confrontation saw some businesses shut down for of looting. 

In the past few weeks, Nairobi City Centre witnessed heightened protests marred with chaos leading to closure of businesses. 

But on Thursday, normal business operations cautiously resumed for fear of demonstrations that had been planned to take place within Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) by the Gen-Zs and Millennials.