A group of opposition leaders led by Martha Karua, Kalonzo Musyoka, former Chief Justice David Maraga and Siaya Governor James Orengo marched towards Parliament Buildings on Wednesday to honour victims of the June 25, 2024, protests.
The leaders joined families of those who lost their lives during the demonstrations, laying wreaths and flowers near Parliament as part of the anniversary commemoration.
Security around Parliament remained heightened, with police maintaining barricades and restricting access to protected areas.
Read Also
The march formed part of nationwide activities organised to remember those who died during last year’s anti-government protests, which culminated in the storming of Parliament and left more than 60 people dead, according to rights groups.
Karua speaks on security and public rights.
Speaking during the event, Martha Karua called for the protection of peaceful demonstrators and criticised the presence of individuals accused of disrupting protests.
“Everybody needs to know that any goons in the CBD belong to the authorities, not to us.”
Karua said Kenyans were entitled to security and peaceful assembly under the Constitution.
“We expect total protection, security and peace, and we assert our rights to those things because it’s written in the Constitution.”
She also thanked police officers for maintaining order during the day while questioning road closures that affected movement in parts of the city.
“I thank the police for making this day successful. When you barricade the roads, you are enforcing a public holiday.”
Wreaths laid at Parliament barricades
The leaders walked alongside activists and relatives of victims before laying wreaths at the barricades surrounding Parliament.
Similar ceremonies have been held during previous anniversary commemorations, with participants seeking to honour those who lost their lives during the demonstrations.
Kalonzo Musyoka said the gathering was intended to remember young Kenyans who died during the protests and to stand with affected families.
Security has been heightened across Nairobi.
The commemoration took place amid a heavy security deployment across Nairobi.Police erected roadblocks on major routes leading into the city, while Parliament remained protected by security barriers.
Authorities said the measures were aimed at maintaining public order and preventing criminal activity.
Government officials had earlier maintained that June 25 would remain a normal working day despite calls from some political leaders and activists for nationwide commemorations.
