Siaya Governor James Orengo has left his supporters in awe after using a motorbike to leave a venue where parents whose kids died during the 2024 and 2024 protests gathered.

The governor was among those who turned up with hopes of laying flowers outside Parliament in remembrance of those whose kin were killed during the Gen Z protests of 2024.

The dramatic moment unfolded near Parliament Buildings on Thursday, June 25, 2026, as families of victims, activists, and opposition leaders gathered to mark the second anniversary of the deadly anti-Finance Bill protests.

Orengo had earlier defended the June 25 commemoration, saying it was not a political stunt but an event led by grieving mothers who had lost their children during the protests.

James Orengo’s stand

Before the protests, Orengo said the families had followed the law by giving notice of the planned demonstrations.

“The petition is in the name of the mothers. The notice for the demonstrations was also presented by the mothers.”

The Siaya governor further argued that once citizens notify police of a lawful demonstration, the role of security officers should be to protect them, not stop them.

“When somebody gives notice of a demonstration in accordance with the law, the police are required to provide security and protect the rights of those who are demonstrating.”

Orengo also defended the need to commemorate the day, saying there was nothing wrong with Kenyans remembering those killed during the protests.

“What about a day when more than 50 young people were killed? There is nothing wrong with commemorating such a day in a democracy.”

Mothers speak

Before tear gas was reportedly thrown near the area, some mothers of victims addressed those present, demanding justice and accountability from the government.

A woman who identified herself as Julian Munyao, the mother of Rex Kanyike Masai, said compensation alone could not replace justice.

“Kwa majina naitwa Julian Munyao, mama yake Rex Kanyike Masai. Yangu ni kusema, arrest the killer cops because compensation cannot replace accountability,” she said.

Another mother, identified as Mama Ericsson, said she had gone to Parliament to honour her son, who she said was killed outside the House.

“We just want justice from the government, above all, and accountability. My son was killed today outside Parliament. I came to honour my son,” she said.

Mama Kennedy Onyango also pleaded with police to allow the families to remember their children peacefully, saying their age could not allow them to run from tear gas in the streets.

“Tafadhali, leo tuwache na amani tukumbuke watoto wetu. Usitupige na tear gas, umri yetu si ya kukimbia na kuruka kwa barabara,” he said.

Parliament tension

The gathering outside Parliament came under tight security, with police officers deployed around the area as families and leaders attempted to lay flowers in memory of those who died during the June 25, 2024, protests.

The situation later turned tense, forcing Orengo to leave the area on a motorbike as police moved to control the crowd.

The motorbike exit quickly drew attention online, with supporters describing it as a dramatic moment during a day already marked by grief, heavy police presence, and renewed calls for justice.

The June 25 commemoration was called to honour young Kenyans who died during the 2024 Gen Z protests, which began as opposition to the Finance Bill 2024 before growing into a wider demand for accountability, lower taxation, and better governance.

For the families who gathered outside Parliament, the message remained clear: they were not only remembering their loved ones, but also demanding answers over how they died and who should be held responsible.