‘My heart still breaks’ – Babu Owino pays tribute to victims of June 25, 2024, protests
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, June 25, 2026Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has joined Kenyans in commemorating the young people who lost their lives during the anti-government protests of June 25, 2024, describing the fallen demonstrators as heroes whose sacrifices will never be forgotten.
In a heartfelt message shared on his social media handles on Thursday, June 25, 2026, as Kenyans anticipate the anniversary of the historic protests, the legislator expressed sorrow over the deaths of the young protesters and called for their memory to be honoured.
“Today, Kenyans go to the streets to commemorate all the comrades we lost on June 25th, 2024. My heart still breaks for all the young souls we lost. Forever in our hearts,” Owino said.
The outspoken Nairobi lawmaker has urged Kenyans to remember the victims and the ideals they stood for. His tribute echoed the sentiments of many citizens who have used the anniversary to honour the courage of the young protesters and reflect on the events that unfolded during the demonstrations.
Heightened security in Nairobi and environs
The sentiments from the lawmaker have come as transport services have been thrown into disarray on the morning of Thursday, June 25, 2026, after police sealed off major entry points into Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) ahead of the planned Gen Z anniversary protests.
The heavy security operation disrupted both private and public transport, leaving hundreds of commuters stranded and forcing many to seek alternative travel.
Police barricades have been erected at key entry points into the city, effectively cutting off access to the CBD. Outbound traffic at Githurai was blocked, causing major congestion and disrupting movement along sections of Thika Road. Areas affected along the route include the Kahawa and Ruiru bypasses and Githurai and Allsops, with heavy police surveillance.
The heightened security measures come as Kenyans mark the second anniversary of the June 25, 2024, Gen Z protests, which saw thousands of young people take to the streets to demand government accountability and reforms.