Young men chant anti-government slogans as they carry the coffin of Boniface Kariuki, a street hawker who died from gunshot wounds days after being shot by Kenyan police on July 11, 2025.
Families of youths killed during the 2024–2025 anti-government protests have announced plans to hold a peaceful march to State House on Monday, December 22, in a renewed push for justice, accountability, and compensation.
In a formal notification submitted to the police, the families said the procession will begin at Jeevanjee Gardens at 9:00 a.m. before proceeding to State House, where they hope to secure an audience with President William Ruto.
The families argue that despite the passage of time and multiple official commitments by the government, justice for victims of alleged police brutality remains elusive. They cite prolonged investigations, lack of prosecutions, and delayed compensation as key grievances.
Speaking on behalf of the affected families, Kelvin Simba, brother to the late Mike Brian Kasaine—one of the protest victims—said findings by the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU) paint a disturbing picture of the killings.
According to IMLU data, three out of every five extrajudicial killings recorded during the protest period involved gunshot wounds from behind, suggesting that victims were fleeing and unarmed at the time they were shot.
“As of December 18, 2025, it has been 547 days since the death of Rex Masai, yet not a single police officer has been held accountable,” Simba said, terming the delays a betrayal of affected families.
The families further accuse the government of failing to implement a presidential proclamation issued on August 8, 2025, which established a framework for reparations to victims of police violence dating back to 2017. While the proclamation raised hopes of relief and closure, the families say compensation disbursement has stalled with no clear timelines.
In their notice to the police, the families said Monday’s march is intended to seek a direct and peaceful engagement with President Ruto.
They argue that while the Head of State has met various delegations and committed resources to other national causes, families of slain protesters continue to be sidelined.
“We ask that he finally hear the cries of families facing a Christmas without the laughter of their loved ones,” part of the notice read. “We also march in solidarity with survivors who were left paralysed or permanently disabled.”
The families emphasised that the procession is not a protest but a plea for justice, dialogue, and recognition of their suffering.
“In the spirit of Christmas, we seek a peaceful audience with the President to discuss justice and support for these families,” the notice added.
They also urged police to respect Article 37 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to assemble, demonstrate, and petition public authorities peacefully and unarmed.
The families said participants will carry only flowers and the national flag and formally requested a police escort to ensure safety and maintain public order during the march.
“This is not a protest but a plea for justice, and we trust that the police will not harass, assault, or arrest grieving parents and siblings seeking to meet the President,” the notice concluded.
