Opposition leaders are now pushing for June 25 to be set aside to commemorate youth killed in anti-government demonstrations.
The date marks the violent climax of the protests, when scores of young demonstrators were gunned down after storming Parliament on June 25, 2024 to demand wide-ranging reforms within government. Eyewitness accounts and human rights groups allege that police officers used live bullets against the unarmed youth.
Speaking on Spice FM on Monday, April 28, Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni said the day should be nationally recognised as a solemn tribute to a generation that dared to speak truth to power.
“These young people paid the ultimate price for standing up against injustice. The least we can do is remember their courage and keep their voices alive through a national holiday,” Kioni said.
The protests, largely driven by Gen Z through digital mobilization, shook the nation and exposed growing frustrations among Kenya’s youth over economic hardships, corruption and governance failures.
Kioni stressed that officially marking June 25 would not only honor the victims but also remind leaders of the consequences of ignoring the people’s will.
“It’s not just a date. It’s a symbol of resistance, bravery and a wake-up call for all those in power,” he added.
In February 2025, Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka also proposed that the day be declared a public holiday, to honour Gen Z youths who lost their lives during the anti-government protests.
According to Kalonzo, June 25 is the true liberation day to fight injustice, reject abductions, condemn the looting of Kenya’s resources and end the impoverishment of the Kenyan people.
“I want to make a very serious proposal—to honour the young Kenyans who died, many of them on June 25, which I call J25. If it meets the approval of young Kenyans, we will declare it a public holiday,” Kalonzo said during the official launch of the People’s Liberation Party.
The proposal has already gained traction among civil society groups and youth movements, who see the date as a pivotal moment in Kenya’s democratic journey.
