A year after anti-government protests left their children dead, grieving families say the pledges by President William Ruto and top state officials have turned empty.
They now plan a peaceful protest on June 25 – the day last year protesters stormed Parliament and forced the President to withdraw a punitive tax Bill and dismissed his Cabinet – to demand justice.
At least 60 people died in the demonstrations that rocked the country, with the majority being Gen Z youth – typically those born between 1997 and 2012.
The young people led from the front, demanding proper governance and a review of the tax plans.
Odhiambo’s mother, Josinter Anyango, got a call from Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy Dennis Itumbi on July 5, 2024.
A picture of 12-year-old Kennedy Onyango who was killed during anti-government protests in Rongai.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation Media Group
President Ruto had the previous night denied on national TV that her son succumbed to injuries from bullet wounds. True to his word, the President called.
“I was with friends in the house. I immediately told them to be silent and put him on loud speaker,” Ms Anyango told the Saturday Nation .
The President apologised for his utterances and consoled her. He promised to meet her at State House and ensure she got justice.
A year later: Story of 12-year-old Kennedy Onyango's death during 2024 anti-government protests
Almost a year later, Ms Ochieng says the promise has never been kept. Her efforts to seek justice have hit a dead-end.
As President Ruto presided over this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations in Homa Bay, Ms Anyango caused a stir when she stood near the podium to demand audience.
The Saturday Nation reached out to Mr Itumbi and State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohammed to seek accuracy on the claims made by Ms Anyango.
We also sought to know why the promise by President Ruto has never been fulfilled. They did not respond to the queries despite constant reminders and calls.
On Friday, the tearful mother of two said the only option left for her is to join other mothers on the streets on June 25.
“I could not stand what the President was saying. I stood up and demanded justice for my son. I did that because I was in pain,” she told the Saturday Nation .
As the country marks the anniversary of the protests and bloody events, Ms Anyango says she has little hope of getting justice.
On Friday, she accompanied a group of other mothers to notify the government of the planned June 25 march.
Lawyer Njanja Maina (seated, second right) addresses the media during a meeting of family members of Gen Z protests at August 7 Memorial Park in Nairobi on June 20, 2025.
Photo credit: Francis Nderitu | Nation Media Group
Tears flowed freely and voices broke with anguish as grieving families made passionate pleas for justice a year after their kin were killed in Nairobi and several other cities and towns countrywide.
During the a presser at the August 7 Memorial Park, the mothers – veiled in black shawls and clutching fading portraits of their children – could barely talk and contain their anguish.
The place was heavy with emotion. Every word spoken trembled under the weight of pain too raw to hide.
The families demanded a public acknowledgement and apology from President Ruto regarding the events of June 25, the immediate arrest and prosecution of police officers involved in the shooting, justice for the households that remain traumatised and abandoned as well as comprehensive reforms of the police service to end impunity, corruption and extra-judicial killings.
“To the National Police Service and other security agencies, we put you on notice. This will be a lawful and peaceful procession,” the families said in a joint statement.
“We expect your cooperation, professionalism and restraint. Any attempt to criminalise our mourning or respond to our peaceful gathering with violence will only deepen the national wound. Kenya and the world are watching.”
The families said they would lay flowers at key locations in Nairobi where their children were shot.
“We will then proceed to deliver a memorandum to Parliament and the Office of the President. This memorandum is not a request but a demand,” the statement added.
“It is a demand for justice that is long overdue, a demand for action, not words and a demand for human dignity, which our children were denied in life and in death.”
For some of the mothers, getting their lives started has not been easy.
Ms Maria Shikwe, the mother of 17-year-old Austin Makokha – an autistic child who was shot in Nakuru County – said she has been unable to do many things as her other child is also disabled.
The late Austin Makokha.
Photo credit: Francis Nderitu | Nation
“He had gone to get his brother for lunch at home. Austin was not among the protesters yet he was shot and killed. Life has become painful and a struggle. I can’t do anything or even go anywhere. I have been reduced to a beggar,” Ms Shikwe said amid tears.
Ms Mary Muthoni, the mother of 20-year-old Kenneth Njeru who was shot on the grounds of Parliament, said he has never rested in peace.
“My son was innocent and he will never rest until justice is served. That is why this protest is important. It is the only way left to remember him and demand justice,” she said.
The late Kenneth Njeru.
Photo credit: Francis Nderitu | Nation
For Ms Gillian Munyao, the journey of getting justice following the killing of her son Rex Masai has been full of hurdles.
She told the press conference that some witnesses who had promised to speak openly and testify in court have withdrawn and the delays in the ongoing inquest is only making the situation worse.
Rex Masai, who was shot during the anti-tax demonstrations.
Photo credit: Pool
“Most have withdrawn. My family is afraid that with the delays, we might not get justice for Rex,” she said.
Ms Caroline Mutuku Mutisya, the mother of Erickson Mutisya, said despite the numerous statements she has recorded with police, she is yet to get any assistance.
“I recall the morning of the shooting daily and always shed tears. We have gone for help to the Law Society of Kenya, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority and other organisations but nothing appears to be moving,” she said.
Mr Tom Mwadime, whose brother Kelvin Mwawasi was shot in Githurai 45, said his family has never been the same again.
The late Andrew Mwawasi.
Photo credit: Pool
“My mother has become gravely ill. She has sought audience with the relevant authorities so that we can get justice but nothing is forthcoming,” Mr Mwadime said.
Mr Daniel Otieno, whose brother Kelvin Odhiambo was shot in Nairobi, said he still remembers the great moments they spent together.
The late Kelvin Odhiambo.
Photo credit: Francis Nderitu | Nation
For Mr Otieno, justice means getting answers on the people who killed his brother, an apology and the reason they did so.
“All we want is justice. My brother, who was killed in the City Centre, was just 17. Why are authorities not willing or ready to help us get justice?” Mr Otieno asked.
