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Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka has paid tribute to the Kenyan youth who led the anti-government protests mid this year, ocassioning several changes in government.

In a statement on Thursday, December 12, 2024, Kalonzo says that the youth, entailing Generation Z and the Millenials, taught the country that freedom is indivisible, that peace is indivisible, that economic prosperity is indivisible.

“Today, we commemorate our forefathers’ 61-year struggle for liberation from the yokes of colonialism. We honour their sacrifices and reiterate our commitment to realizing their vision for Kenya. We also pay tribute to Kenya’s Generation Z and Millennials, who paid the ultimate sacrifice to ensure “that freedom is indivisible, that peace is indivisible, that economic prosperity is indivisible.” Ler justice continue to be our shield and defender,” Kalonzo stated.

Several youths were killed during the anti-government protests in June and July 2024, following the excessive use of force and guns by the police against protestors.

Following the protests, the government was forced to drop the Finance Bill 2024, which was regarded as oppressive by most Kenyans.

In September, Amnesty International revealed that at least 12,000 people have signed an Amnesty International petition calling for a Judicial Commission of Enquiry and accountability for the deaths and injuries arising from the use of unlawful police force against protesters in Kenya.

On 25 June, thousands of protesters gathered in Nairobi’s central business district and other counties across the country to protest a finance bill that proposed increased taxes, including some regressive taxation measures amid high living costs. The bill was scheduled for a third reading in parliament that afternoon.

“The right to protest in Kenya is protected under the constitution. It is unacceptable that, rather than facilitating and protecting protesters, police resorted to using deadly force,” said Irũngũ Houghton, Executive Director of Amnesty International Kenya.

According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), human rights organisations facilitated the “release of over 300 persons illegally detained” on 25 June. As of end of August, the Law Society of Kenya had documented 72 people who had been abducted, released or were still missing in relation to the protests. Thirteen disappeared on the 25 June and a further twenty-three went missing within seven days of this protest.

Jamhuri Day

Jamhuri Day, celebrated on December 12 every year, marks the day Kenya became a republic following the country’s independence from British colonial rule.

On this day, Kenya also celebrates the adoption of its first constitution, which gave the country its full self-governance.