Families of young Kenyans who were killed or injured during the Gen Z protests have renewed their call for justice, using Jamhuri Day to remind the nation that independence means little without accountability.

In a statement shared by Vocal Africa on X on Friday, December 12, 2025, the families said the pain they carry has not faded, even as the country celebrates its freedom.

They said many homes are still grieving, others are struggling with medical costs and trauma, and most are living with unanswered questions about what happened to their children. For them, Jamhuri Day is not just a public holiday but a painful reminder of promises that remain unfulfilled.

The families said they chose this symbolic day to speak because the protests were about protecting democracy and dignity, values rooted in Kenya’s independence struggle. They insisted that remembering the past must also include confronting present injustices.

In their statement, they clearly outlined six demands, describing them as urgent and non-negotiable.

“On this Jamhuri Day, Victims and Families of Victims of the Gen Z Protests tabled the following urgent and non-negotiable demands,” Vocal Africa said.

They first called on the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights to urgently bring all key players together.

“KNCHR to immediately convene a multi-stakeholder meeting to bring together IPOA, human rights organisations, victims and families of victims to discuss, agree upon and set in motion a definitive path toward truth, justice and compensation,” the statement read.

The families said transparency is critical and demanded updates from the police watchdog.

“IPOA to release a comprehensive status report on all GenZ protest cases. This must include updates on investigations, pending files, officers implicated and referrals made to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP),” the statement reads

They also demanded firm action against officers linked to abuses.

“Immediate suspension of police officers implicated in killings or violations. This means all officers mentioned by eyewitnesses, captured on video or flagged in preliminary investigations, must be suspended without prejudice to allow independent, impartial, and credible investigations,” the families said.

On compensation, they accused the government of dragging its feet.

“If the government is serious about compensating the victims of the GenZ protests, they should facilitate the KNCHR and provide all the necessary support to ensure the victims and their families are compensated,” the statement added.

They said justice must go beyond courtrooms and reports.

“Full support to victims and families seeking justice and compensation. This includes legal assistance, psychosocial support, medical care, livelihood support and regular communication on the progress of truth, justice and compensation processes,” they demanded.

Finally, the families said the nation must honour those who suffered.

“Official recognition of victims as Kenya’s heroes. Victims of the Gen Z protests should be officially honoured as national heroes for their courage in advancing democratic freedoms. Those who lost their lives should receive posthumous medals and those who survived with injuries should be recognised and supported as defenders of Kenya’s democratic future,” the statement said.

For the families, Jamhuri Day is a reminder that freedom must be defended every day, with truth, justice, and dignity for those who paid the highest price.