Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni.
Opposition leaders have proposed that June 25 be declared a national holiday in honour of the Gen Z protesters who lost their lives during the anti-government demonstrations.

Dozens of young people died after alleged police officers opened fire on demonstrators who breached Parliament while demanding reforms.

On April 29, Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni called for the date to be officially recognised to remember and celebrate the sacrifices made by Gen Z.

Kioni, a prominent opposition figure, said those who died in and around Parliament—and in other parts of the country—were martyrs whose legacy should be preserved for future generations.

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“June 25 should be declared a national holiday by this government—and if not, then by the next one,” Kioni stated.

“Like the Mau Mau, they died fighting for the liberation of Kenya. Just as colonialists killed freedom fighters, these young people were murdered in cold blood while fighting for a better Kenya.”

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The former Ndaragwa MP made the remarks following the release of a BBC documentary highlighting how Gen Z protesters were killed outside Parliament on June 25, 2024.

According to the documentary, some victims were shot as they exited Parliament following the unprecedented breach of the August House by enraged youth.

The move was hailed as the boldest and courageous action against any government by Kenyans in recent history.

Kioni also urged the Kenya Defence Forces to issue a public statement clarifying whether any of its personnel were involved in the shootings.

While human rights groups reported documenting 61 deaths linked to the Gen Z protests, then–Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki maintained that the number stood at 42.

Speaking before the National Assembly Committee on Administration and Internal Security on September 26, 2024, Kindiki said he had submitted a list of the deceased to the committee.

He further revealed that a total of 1,208 people were arrested during the protests.

“There were 42 cases of people who lost their lives during the Gen Z demonstrations,” he said.

“A total of 1,208 individuals were arrested countrywide, and most of the cases are still pending in court on various charges.”