Kenyan Families Continue to Seek Justice Two Years After Gen Z Protests

Nairobi, Kenya - On June 25, 2024, families of those affected by the 2024 anti-finance bill protests and subsequent demonstrations marked the anniversary with a memorial march in Nairobi. The event was attended by civil society groups and members of the public, who called for accountability and police reform.

According to rights groups and official tallies, at least 62 people were killed during the protests, while 26 individuals linked to the 2024 protests remain missing, as reported by the Human Rights Watch World Report 2026. Additionally, 15 individuals from 2025 demonstrations are also listed as missing.

Families of those affected have expressed frustration with the lack of progress in investigations. James Otieno, father of Denzel Omondi, who went missing days after participating in the #OccupyParliament protests, stated that his son’s family is still waiting for updates on the investigation into his death.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) reported that only three cases related to the 62 deaths have reached court. IPOA Vice Chairperson Anne Wanjiku Mwangi explained that investigations involve multiple agencies and depend on evidence thresholds and prosecutorial review. The authority stated that some cases may be closed if they do not meet legal thresholds, while others require further investigative work.

Meanwhile, Susan Wangari Wanjohi continues to search for her son Emmanuel Kamau Mukuria, who disappeared after being arrested by police in 2024. She has visited numerous prisons and believes her son is alive somewhere and hopes the government will return him to her.

The Human Rights Watch World Report 2026 also noted that at least 41 people linked to Kenya’s protests are still missing, including those from 2024 and 2025. Authorities have issued warnings against anniversary marches, citing concerns over violence. The government has begun a compensation process for families affected by the unrest.

Source: Al Jazeera