By Mumo Judah and Kibaki Matasty, june 25, 2026
MOMBASA, June 25, 2026 — Hundreds of protesters, human rights activists, youth groups, and families of victims gathered in Mombasa on Thursday to mark the second anniversary of the 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations, holding memorial prayers and peaceful marches in honour of those who lost their lives during the nationwide protests that shook the country and reshaped Kenya’s political discourse.
The commemorations began with prayers at ACK Memorial Church before participants proceeded through the city centre towards Mapembeni along Moi Avenue, later converging near the Pembe za Ndovu monument. Demonstrators carried flowers, placards, and portraits of victims as they paid tribute to those killed during the youth-led protests that drew national and international attention.
Throughout the procession, participants chanted slogans including “A people united can never be defeated,” while calling for justice, accountability, and recognition for the families of those who died. Organisers described the gathering as a solemn day of remembrance rather than a conventional protest, emphasising the need to honour lives lost during the demonstrations.
One of the key organisers, Mathias Shipeta, said the anniversary was intended to preserve the memory of victims while sustaining calls for accountability. “This is not just a protest — it is a public holiday of remembrance. We want justice. We want accountability for every soul that was taken from us,” he said. He added that the day remained significant for many Kenyans who view the 2024 demonstrations as a defining moment in the country’s democratic history, describing it as a period that awakened civic consciousness among young people.
Human rights activists who joined the march accused authorities of failing to adequately address concerns surrounding deaths and injuries reported during the protests. Francis Ouma, an activist with MUHURI, said Kenyans must continue defending their constitutional rights and freedoms, insisting that accountability for past incidents remains unresolved.
“We cannot sit and watch police kill innocent people and clap for them. We are human too, and Kenyans deserve the right to demonstrate and fight for their rights,” Ouma said.
The commemorations were held under heavy police presence after authorities raised concerns over compliance with regulations governing public gatherings. Mombasa County Commissioner Mohamed Noor said organisers had not provided the mandatory three-day notification required before holding demonstrations. Security personnel were deployed across the Central Business District and along key routes used by marchers in an effort to maintain order and prevent unauthorised assemblies.
As the day progressed, police patrols remained visible across the city, with some instances of officers using tear gas to disperse crowds gathered in restricted areas. The heightened security led to disruptions in traffic and normal business activity, with several traders opting to scale down operations amid uncertainty.
Despite the tense atmosphere, organisers maintained that the memorial marches remained peaceful and focused on honouring victims. Participants observed moments of silence, offered prayers, and laid wreaths as they reflected on the events of June 2024.
The anniversary comes as national debate continues over the legacy of the demonstrations, which were largely driven by young Kenyans opposing proposed tax increases and raising broader concerns about governance, economic hardship, and public accountability. The protests evolved into one of the most significant youth-led movements in Kenya’s recent history, drawing widespread attention to civic engagement and state response to dissent.
Human rights organisations continue to call for thorough investigations into deaths, injuries, and alleged abuses reported during the demonstrations. For families who lost loved ones, Thursday’s commemorations served both as a memorial and a renewed call for justice, underscoring the enduring impact of a movement that continues to shape conversations about democracy, accountability, and the right to peaceful assembly in Kenya.
