Opposition demands that protest victims be compensated before June 25
By Mabonga Makhanu, June 10, 2026United Opposition leaders are now demanding that victims of the 2024 Gen Z protests be compensated before the June 25, 2026, commemoration.
In a joint statement read by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka at the SKM Command Centre in Karen on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, the coalition urged the government to compensate the victims and their families without any further delay.
“We want this money paid, the Ksh2 billion paid on or before June 25,” Kalonzo stated.
Kalonzo stated that he is aware of plans to allocate Ksh2 billion for the compensation of protest victims in the budget set to be unveiled in the National Assembly by Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi. While acknowledging that compensation alone does not amount to justice, he argued that every family that lost a loved one or suffered as a result of the protests deserves to be compensated accordingly, followed by justice.
The former vice president also took issue with the proposed management of the funds, noting that the allocation falls under the State House budget. According to him, the compensation program should instead be handled by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) to ensure transparency and accountability.
Maraga’s arrest
Kalonzo further criticised the recent arrest of former Chief Justice David Maraga, who had joined protests against the alleged excision of land from Nairobi National Park. He announced that the United Opposition would organise similar demonstrations to defend the park from what they termed encroachment and unlawful takeover.
His remarks come just days after the United Opposition confirmed that it would participate in the June 25, 2026, Gen Z commemoration activities. The announcement was welcomed by the Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna-led Linda Mwananchi movement, which also declared that its members would take to the streets on the same day to honour the 67 young people who lost their lives during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests.
Orengo’s calls for justice
Recently, Siaya Governor James Orengo also weighed in on the debate while visiting the family of the late Rex Masai, who was killed during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations. Orengo argued that while compensation is important, justice for the victims and their families should come first. According to him, the family emphasised the need for accountability before any compensation is considered.
The calls for justice and compensation come as preparations for the June 25 commemoration gather momentum, with less than two weeks remaining before the anniversary of the historic Gen Z protests.