Kisumu activists raise concerns after June 25 protest and vigil fail to take place
By Viola Kosome, June 25, 2026Kisumu activists have raised concerns over a planned demonstration and memorial vigil to mark the second anniversary of the Gen Z protests that failed to take place in Kisumu on June 25, accusing authorities and unnamed individuals of frustrating the event.
Speaking during a press briefing behind Central police station in Kisumu on June 25, 2026, activist Bonface Akach claimed that organisers had been forced to abandon their planned procession after the designated assembly and memorial venues were occupied by other activities.
Akach said the group had intended to begin its protest at Kondele before marching through the city and concluding with a memorial vigil at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports Complex, formerly the sports ground.
According to the activist, the venue earmarked as the starting point of the demonstration had been taken over under the guise of voter mobilisation and national identification card registration activities.
“As we speak, voter registration and ID application is going on at Kondele roundabout,” Akach stated.
Organised football match at the venue
He further alleged that a football match had been organised at the grounds where the vigil was scheduled to take place, effectively denying the group access to the venue.
“At the area where we were to hold the memorial vigil, suddenly a football match has been placed with people pretending they are football fans who have come to watch the match, but they are keeping us from holding our vigil there,” he said.
Akach described the developments as a setback for democratic freedoms, maintaining that the planned demonstration was lawful and that the police had been formally notified in advance.
“We want to say that we are very sad that we have seen a defeat of democracy. This was a legal protest. The police were served,” he said.
The activist further accused police officers of conducting themselves in a manner that discouraged members of the public from joining the demonstration.
“We have also seen the police conducting themselves in a manner that is making people afraid of participating in the protest,” he said.
Vigil will proceed as planned
Despite the disruption of the planned march and vigil, Akach insisted that organisers would proceed with the presentation of their petition.
“Nothing is going to stop us even if we remain two or three of us because a lot of us have been scared away,” he said.
The second anniversary of the Gen Z protests was marked in different parts of the country with calls for accountability, protection of constitutional freedoms and remembrance of those who lost their lives during the demonstrations that shook the nation in 2024.