Trans Nzoia Woman Rep criticises frequent commemorations amid crisis
By Faith Lagat, June 26, 2025Trans Nzoia Woman Representative Lillian Siyoi has sparked sharp reactions after questioning the frequency and relevance of national commemorations, even as the country continues to grapple with justice and healing following last year’s Gen Z protests.
Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on June 26, 2025, Siyoi expressed concern that too much focus on politically charged remembrance events—such as the recent anniversary of the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests—may be distracting leaders from meaningful work.
“We have had too many deaths in this country,” she said, referencing the 2007/2008 post-election violence. “If every time evil is done, we must hold a commemoration, when will we work?”
Her remarks came a day after thousands of Kenyans held peaceful marches, vigils, and tributes in memory of protesters who died last July during demonstrations against new tax measures. While many viewed the commemorations as a vital act of accountability, Siyoi remained sceptical. “The commemoration is just one day out of 365. What work have they done during the other 364 days of the year?” she posed.
This comes after nationwide demonstrations held on June 25, 2025, to mark the first anniversary of the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests. The protests, largely led by Gen Z, began peacefully but escalated into violent confrontations as police used tear gas, water cannons, and live bullets on demonstrators. At least eight people were killed and more than 400 injured, according to reports from doctors and rights groups.
Protesters marched in Nairobi and other cities to honor those killed the previous year and to demand action on long-standing issues such as police brutality, corruption, and youth unemployment. The storming of Parliament and heightened tension near State House underscored the growing frustration among young Kenyans.
The unrest was further fuelled by a controversial government directive banning live broadcast coverage of the protests. The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) cited constitutional violations in ordering the blackout, but the High Court overturned the ban, with Justice Chacha Mwita deeming it unconstitutional and a threat to press freedom. Media stakeholders, including the Kenya Editors’ Guild, the Law Society of Kenya, and Amnesty International, condemned the move as a deliberate attempt to conceal police violence and restrict public oversight.
Siyoi also defended the current administration’s development record, dismissing claims that the Kenya Kwanza regime has failed to create jobs. “We have had job creations through Nyota, the internships—even though it has not reached everyone,” she said.
“Let every regime be given time, one step at a time. We have started with this; we are yet to set others. Let us give the president time to put things in order.”
She further warned that the economic toll of frequent protests and commemorations is slowing national progress.
“The more we are doing commemorations that lead to destruction, the more we will remain undeveloped—because the money used to cushion destruction could have been allocated for other development purposes. It is as though we are going backwards,” she said.
In a fiery appeal, Siyoi also took aim at rights groups, urging them to remain impartial. “I want to call upon the human rights organisation to chip in and protect every citizen’s right without favoritism. Not unless you change your name, because it is the opposite of what you do. You select some.”
Her remarks have sparked outrage online, with critics accusing her of being tone-deaf to public grief and insensitive to victims’ families. Still, her supporters argue she is pushing for a necessary shift from symbolism to substance. As the dust settles from the latest round of commemorations, the national debate over how to honor the past—without stalling the future—remains far from over.