The scars, both physical and emotional, still run deep for the victims and loved ones affected by the deadly protests that rocked Kenya in June 2024. What began as a passionate display of civil disobedience by the country’s disenchanted youth quickly descended into chaos, as security forces clashed violently with demonstrators, leaving a trail of injuries, loss of life, and unanswered questions.
Now, over a year later, the families of those killed and the survivors struggling with debilitating injuries are still grappling with the aftermath, feeling let down by a government that they say has failed to provide adequate compensation or meaningful accountability.
“My son went out that day to make his voice heard, to demand a better future for our country,” laments Fatuma Aden, whose 22-year-old son, Malik, was among the dozens killed during the protests. “Instead, he never came home, and we’ve been left with nothing but grief and unanswered questions.”
The June 2024 protests, spearheaded by a coalition of youth-led organizations and civil society groups, were a culmination of long-simmering frustrations over unemployment, economic inequality, and perceived political marginalization. Tens of thousands of young Kenyans, mobilized through social media and energized by a sense of collective outrage, took to the streets in major cities across the country, demanding sweeping reforms and the resignation of top government officials.
However, the peaceful demonstrations quickly turned violent as security forces, armed with tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition, sought to quell the unrest. Eyewitness accounts and video footage have painted a harrowing picture of the indiscriminate use of force, with protesters being beaten, shot, and in some cases, killed.
“It was absolute chaos,” recounts Josephine Wambui, a 29-year-old protester who suffered a gunshot wound to her leg. “I was running, trying to help my friends, when I felt a searing pain and collapsed to the ground. The next thing I knew, I was in the hospital, my life forever changed.”
Wambui’s road to recovery has been arduous, both physically and financially. She has undergone multiple surgeries and intensive physical therapy, but the lingering effects of her injuries have made it difficult for her to return to her job as a shop assistant, leaving her and her family in a precarious financial situation.
“The government promised that they would provide support and compensation for the victims, but so far, we have received nothing,” Wambui says, her voice quivering with frustration. “How are we supposed to rebuild our lives when we’re left to fend for ourselves?”
The Kenyan government has acknowledged the tragic events of June 2024 and has promised to launch a comprehensive investigation into the use of force by security personnel. However, to the dismay of the victims and their families, the process has been slow and largely lacking in transparency, fueling suspicions of a cover-up.
“We want justice, plain and simple,” says Esther Njuguna, the chairperson of the Gen Z Protest Victims Association, a grassroots organization formed to advocate for the rights of those affected. “These were our children, our future, and they were cut down in the prime of their lives. The government owes it to us to hold the responsible parties accountable and provide the support and compensation that we so desperately need.”
Beyond the individual tragedies, the broader impact of the June 2024 protests has cast a long shadow over Kenyan society. The events have further eroded public trust in the government and its ability to address the concerns of the country’s burgeoning youth population, who now feel increasingly disillusioned and disconnected from the political process.
“The Gen Z protests were a wake-up call for our leaders, a stark reminder that they cannot continue to ignore the needs and aspirations of our young people,” says Esther Passaris, a member of the Kenyan Senate. “If we fail to learn from this tragedy and take meaningful steps to bridge the divide, we risk further instability and social unrest that could have devastating consequences for our nation.”
As the victims and their families continue their arduous journeys of physical and emotional healing, the call for justice and accountability grows louder. They demand that the government fulfills its promises, provides the necessary support and compensation, and ensures that such tragedies never happen again.
“We will not rest until we see real change,” declares Fatuma Aden, her eyes brimming with determination. “The memory of our loved ones, the scars we bear, and the struggle for a better Kenya will fuel our fight for as long as it takes. This is a battle for the soul of our nation, and we will not be silenced.”
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