Not yet Jamhuri! Human rights activist demands justice for victims of Gen Z demos
By Kiprono Keileb, December 13, 2025Human rights activist Hussein Khalid has said Kenya cannot fully celebrate independence while victims of the Gen Z protests are still waiting for justice, truth, and compensation.
Speaking on X on Friday, December 13, 2025, after Jamhuri Day celebrations, the Vocal Africa executive director chose to mark the national holiday not at official ceremonies, but alongside families whose lives were permanently altered by the protests.
Khalid said the day was a moment of reflection rather than celebration, insisting that freedom must be measured by how a nation treats its most vulnerable citizens. For families who lost loved ones or are still nursing physical and emotional wounds from the protests, he argued, independence remains incomplete.
In his statement, Khalid explained that the gathering brought together victims and families of victims to chart a path forward following a recent court ruling directing the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) to take the lead on justice and compensation.
“I spent my Jamhuri Day with the victims and family of the victims of Gen Z protests. They came together to discuss the way forward following the recent court ruling that KNCHR should take up the issue of justice and compensation for them,” he said.
The meeting was attended by several human rights organisations, reflecting growing coordination among civil society groups pushing for accountability. Khalid said the presence of key actors underscored the seriousness of the moment and the shared resolve to ensure the victims are not forgotten once public attention fades.
“Among those present at the meeting included VOCAL Africa, Boniface Mwangi, Shakira Wanjira, KNCHR, and Amnesty Kenya, among others,” he wrote
According to Khalid, the discussions focused on practical steps to move the process forward, beyond statements and promises. He said the families were clear about their demands and determined to pursue justice through lawful and structured engagement with institutions mandated to protect human rights.
As part of the outcome, Khalid said the meeting agreed on the formation of a smaller team that will directly engage KNCHR in the coming days. The goal, he noted, is to ensure follow-up on commitments and to keep pressure on institutions tasked with delivering justice.
“As the way forward, a small team was agreed upon that will meet with KNCHR in the coming days to follow up on truth, justice and compensation,” he wrote.
Khalid’s remarks come amid growing calls from activists and victims’ families who argue that national celebrations ring hollow while accountability for past abuses remains unresolved.