Vocal Africa Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hussein Khalid has affirmed that Kenyans who lost their lives during the recent anti-government protests will be remembered as modern-day Mau Mau heroes.

He emphasised that their sacrifices were not in vain and should be honoured as acts of patriotism and courage.

In a message shared on his official X account on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, the activist expressed that draping coffins with the national flag during burials is a symbolic gesture to recognise that those who died did so in defence of the country and its ideals.

Khalid called on Kenyans to remember the fallen not as criminals or outlaws, but as brave individuals who stood up to systemic oppression. He insisted that when the nation eventually revisits and rewrites its history, the truth of their bravery must be preserved.

They will be acknowledged as heroes and heroines who challenged injustice and sparked a national awakening, just like the Mau Mau fighters who resisted colonial rule.

“We put flags on coffins during burials to symbolise that the comrades died for the country. We must remember them as heroes/heroines and comfort their families to remember them as such,” he said.

Adding;

“When we get the chance to rewrite history, they will not be treasonous criminals or terrorists, they will be our modern-day Mau Mau.”

We put flags on coffins during burials to symbolize that the comrades died for the country.

We must remember them as heroes/heroines and comfort their families to remember them as such.

When we get the chance to rewrite the history, they will not be treasonous criminals or… pic.twitter.com/kFOfsFV8qB

— husseinkhalid (@husskhalid) July 16, 2025

Deaths

His remarks come as the country continues to mourn the lives lost in weeks of deadly protests. The demonstrations, which began in June 2025 and escalated through July, have been marked by public outrage over economic hardship, controversial government policies, and police brutality.

Human rights groups now estimate that around 70 people have been killed during the protests. Most of the victims were young people. Many were shot by police using live bullets. Some were peaceful demonstrators, while others were bystanders caught in the chaos.

Among those who have died is Boniface Kariuki, a young man who was shot while selling face masks on the street.

According to witnesses, Boniface was not part of the protests. He was simply working to earn a living when a bullet struck him. His story has angered many Kenyans, who feel the state has failed to protect innocent lives.

Another name that has become a symbol of the struggle is Albert Ojwang, a blogger and digital activist. Albert died while in police custody under unclear circumstances. His death triggered online outrage and helped spark mass mobilisation among youth. Many Kenyans viewed Albert as a voice for the voiceless, and his loss fueled the anger that has powered ongoing demonstrations.

The bloodiest day so far was July 7, 2025, during the Saba Saba protests, when at least 31 people were reported killed across the country. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has confirmed that some of these deaths happened when police opened fire on peaceful protesters.

The commission also documented cases of forced disappearances, where protesters were picked up by unknown people and have not been seen since.