On Mashujaa Day, October 20, Kenyans took to social media to honour and remember those who lost their lives during the anti-finance bill protests in June 2024.
While the official celebrations were held in Kwale County, citizens across the country reflected on the tragic events.
Particularly the lives lost at the hands of police during the nationwide demonstrations.
Human rights activists had planned a parallel Mashujaa Day gathering at Uhuru Park in Nairobi to commemorate the fallen.
However, the event was disrupted by heavy police presence, preventing citizens from accessing the grounds, and leading to several arrests.
Among the protesters remembered on this emotional day was Rex Masai, one of the earliest victims of the Gen Z protests—largely organized by Kenyan youth.
His death, after being shot by police, sparked outrage across the country, with many condemning the use of force against unarmed citizens.
Kenyans also paid tribute to others who lost their lives during the protests.
Finance bill fallen heroes
Including Denzel Omondi, whose body was found in a quarry, and Franklin Otieno and John Njuguna Ndung’u, who were also killed in the demonstrations.
According to human rights organizations, a total of 61 people were killed during the Gen Z protests, with many more reported missing.
Erickson Kyalo Mutisya, another victim, was brutally shot outside the Parliament buildings when protesters stormed the premises.
Setting parts of the Senate on fire. His death became a powerful symbol of the growing discontent among Kenyan citizens.
As Kenyans remembered these fallen heroes, President William Ruto led the national Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kwale.
Paying tribute to the country’s freedom fighters, including Mekatilili wa Menza and Moraa Ng’iti, for their contributions to Kenya’s independence.
In his address, Ruto reiterated his commitment to ensuring the success of his Affordable Housing project, which he promised would benefit all Kenyans.
He also assured employees of the defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) that they would not lose their jobs, as they would be absorbed into the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
The president further pledged to continue providing subsidized fertilizer to farmers at Ksh2,500 per bag, as part of his government’s efforts to support agriculture and boost food security.
