The June 25 commemoration has brought together thousands of Kenyans in a day set aside to remember those who lost their lives during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests and the events that followed.
The anniversary has become a significant moment for many young people, families of victims, activists, and civil society groups who continue to call for accountability, justice, and greater transparency from the government.
The date traces its importance to the historic demonstrations of June 2024, when large numbers of young Kenyans took to the streets to oppose the Finance Bill.
The protests reached a defining moment when thousands of demonstrators breached Parliament, drawing national and international attention.
What began as opposition to proposed taxes quickly evolved into a broader movement focused on governance, accountability, and the concerns of ordinary citizens.
Organisers of this year’s commemoration say the day is intended to serve as a national moment of remembrance, reflection, and peaceful civic engagement.
Many participants refer to it as “Gen Z Liberation Day” or a digital day of remembrance.
The event is dedicated to honouring more than 120 people who are reported to have lost their lives during the 2024 protests and subsequent anniversary demonstrations in 2025.
Families of victims have continued to seek answers and justice for their loved ones, while activists maintain that the country should not forget the sacrifices made during the movement.
Ahead of the demonstrations, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed that police had received official notice of the planned protests.
He assured the public that law enforcement officers would provide security for peaceful demonstrators and stated that peaceful protests would not be prevented.
His remarks were seen as an effort to reassure citizens that they could exercise their constitutional rights while maintaining public order.
However, the day has also been marked by significant travel disruptions, particularly on major roads leading into Nairobi. Long-distance drivers travelling to the capital and beyond have reported lengthy delays after police established roadblocks at various points.
One of the most affected areas has been Mlolongo along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway, where motorists have faced traffic congestion stretching for several kilometres.
Truck drivers and other road users have expressed frustration, with some saying they had been waiting at checkpoints since the early hours of the morning.
Several motorists reported spending more than three hours in traffic only to reach the roadblock and be denied passage.
Some drivers also questioned the process being used by police to determine which vehicles could proceed.
Reports indicate that transport vehicles carrying perishable goods such as milk and other essential commodities have been allowed to pass through the checkpoints.
Many other motorists, however, have remained stranded as authorities continue to enforce the restrictions.
The focus remains on honouring those who lost their lives while balancing public safety, freedom of assembly, and the smooth movement of people across the country.
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