The Linda Mwananchi political movement has postponed its planned rallies in Kisii and Keroka to join Kenyans in commemorating the June 25 anniversary of the young people who died during the anti-Finance Bill protests in 2024.
Initially scheduled for June 26, the rallies have now been pushed to July 3, 2026, with the group saying the decision was made to stand in solidarity with the victims and their families.
In a statement on July 23, Linda mwananchi said:
“We wish to inform our members, supporters and the public at large that the Linda Mwananchi Kisii and Keroka rallies scheduled for Friday, June 26, 2026 have been postponed to Friday, July 3, 2026.
“We will join other Kenyans of goodwill to stand in solidarity with the victims of the Gen-Z protests of 2024 and their families and in remembrance of those who were killed or have forcefully disappeared.” The statement partly read.
Linda Mwananchi Warns of Possible Unlawful Arrests
At the same time, the movement urged its supporters to remain vigilant during the commemoration, citing fears of possible arrests and violence.
Additionally, the group called on the police to guarantee the safety and security of all Kenyans taking part in the peaceful memorial events.
“We are alert to potential police and state-sponsored brutality and violence against the victims and their families during the commemoration activities.
“We reasonably anticipate unlawful arrests during the peaceful commemoration events. Consequently, it will be necessary to remain vigilant and engaged during this period.” The statement said.
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Disappointment Over Delayed Justice and Compensation
Meanwhile, the Sifuna-led faction expressed disappointment with the government’s handling of compensation for victims and their families.
They argued that financial assistance alone cannot replace justice and accountability.
“We are deeply disappointed by the government’s decision to offer limited monetary assistance to the victims and their families without ensuring that justice is done and accountability upheld.
The movement further accused the government of failing to provide closure to affected families, insisting that meaningful reconciliation can only be achieved through transparent investigations.
It further stated that irregularities in the compensation process, coupled with the government’s refusal to allow constitutionally mandated bodies to oversee it, were compounding the suffering of victims and their families.
June 25 Anti-Finance Bill Protests (Refine)
June 25, 2024, remains one of the most significant and painful days in Kenya’s recent history.
Thousands of predominantly young Kenyans took to the streets to oppose the Finance Bill 2024, arguing that the proposed legislation would increase the cost of living through higher taxes.
As a result, it would place an even greater burden on already struggling households and businesses.
Although the demonstrations began peacefully, they later descended into chaos in some areas, with allegations of excessive use of force by security agencies.
The protests left dozens dead, while many others sustained life-altering injuries.
In the aftermath, human rights groups raised concerns over a wave of arrests and reported cases of enforced disappearances involving individuals believed to have participated in or mobilized the demonstrations.
As Kenyans mark the second anniversary of the protests, calls for justice, accountability and remembrance continue to dominate public discourse.
Families of the victims, together with civil society organizations, are demanding answers over the deaths, injuries, and disappearances linked to the unrest.
