Women dressed in black and red march through Nairobi's central business district carrying photographs of missing youths from Huruma, Kiamaiko and Mathare as they demand their return and call for justice outside Parliament on August 6, 2026/ SCREENGRABGrieving mothers dressed in black and red took to the streets of Nairobi on Thursday to demand the return of youths they said have gone missing in Huruma, Kiamaiko and Mathare.
Carrying large banners bearing photographs and names of the youths, the women marched through the central business district before gathering outside Parliament, where they knelt, cried and repeatedly chanted, "We are not safe."
The peaceful demonstration temporarily disrupted traffic along sections of Kenyatta Avenue as the protesters made their way towards Parliament Buildings.
Many of the women wrapped Kenyan flags around their shoulders, hair and arms as they appealed to the State to protect its citizens. Others carried placards calling for justice and the return of the youths they said were missing.
Some of the messages read: "We want them back," "Our children are not in the morgue," "We will not allow Kenya to become a graveyard," "Tekeleza Katiba," and "Wamama wamechoka."
Several women held portraits of the youths above their heads, while others clutched photographs to their chests as they walked through the city.
Throughout the procession, the protesters called out the names of the youths in unison. One woman would shout, "Tunataka..." before the crowd responded with the name of one of the youths, their voices echoing through the streets.
Some blew whistles while others wailed openly, saying they wanted their children returned.
Outside Parliament, the atmosphere became more emotional. The women knelt facing the gates as police officers stood guard nearby.
Many raised their hands while chanting, "We are not safe, we are not safe," repeatedly. Others lay on the ground draped in Kenyan flags, weeping as fellow protesters comforted them.
Some held their placards aloft as they cried out, "Tumechoka," saying their families had endured months of anguish without knowing the whereabouts of their loved ones.
The demonstration remained peaceful, with the women continuing their procession and prayers despite the heavy police presence around Parliament.
The protest comes amid public concern over reports of missing youths, with families and human rights groups continuing to call for investigations and information on those whose whereabouts remain unknown.
The mothers said they would continue demanding justice until their children are accounted for.
