The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has commended religious institutions for offering moral leadership and standing with the people in demanding justice for victims of the 2024 Gen Z protests.
As the country prepares to mark the first anniversary of the historic demonstrations on June 25, the commission is calling for renewed commitment to truth, accountability, and justice.
In a strongly worded statement on X’s official account on Sunday, June 22, 2025, KHRC praised the Church for not shying away from confronting what it described as grave atrocities committed by the regime of President William Ruto during the 2024 youth-led protests.
“We commend the Church for offering a platform to call for accountability over the deaths and injuries sustained during the 2024 Gen Z protests,” KHRC said.
“The Church has continued to stand with the people in the face of grave atrocities by the William Ruto regime.”
The 2024 protests—largely driven by Kenya’s Gen Z population—erupted across major cities in response to economic hardship, increased taxation, and alleged state corruption.
The demonstrations, mostly organised online, were met with a brutal crackdown by police. At least 31 people were reported dead, hundreds injured, and dozens arbitrarily detained, according to both local and international human rights groups.
“This anniversary must not be a day of silence. It must be a day of collective memory and action. The victims were not criminals—they were citizens asking for dignity, fairness, and a future,” read the statement.
KHRC statement
According to KHRC, the lack of prosecutions or public investigations into police actions during the protests remains a serious concern. While the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) had promised inquiries, no officers have been charged or held publicly accountable to date.
“One year later, families are still waiting for answers. No one has been held responsible for the killings. This silence is a betrayal of justice,” the commission said.
KHRC particularly praised the Catholic bishops who recently used their platforms to demand transparency and justice in government.
On Sunday, June 22, 2025, Bishop Peter Kimani of the Embu Diocese called on the state to address not only healthcare and social welfare but also the continued erosion of public trust due to unaccounted deaths and police brutality.
“When church leaders speak truth to power, they remind us that justice is not political—it is moral,” KHRC noted. “We are encouraged by the faith community’s willingness to side with the oppressed and confront impunity.”
The commission is calling on all Kenyans—especially youth and survivors—to participate in commemorative events planned for June 25, including vigils, digital campaigns, and public forums. These activities aim to amplify the voices of victims’ families and ensure that the deaths are not erased from public memory.
“This is not just a moment of remembrance. It is a call to action,” KHRC stated. “Let us honour our Mashujaa by ensuring that what happened in 2024 is never repeated.”
As President Ruto’s administration continues to face mounting criticism over governance and accountability, KHRC insists that the response to the June 2024 protests remains a critical test of Kenya’s democratic integrity.
“Justice delayed is justice denied,” the commission said. “The people of Kenya deserve answers, and more importantly, they deserve reform.”
Prayer service
All Saints Cathedral on Sunday, June 22, 2025, is set to hold a national interdenominational prayer service in memory of victims of the June 2024 protests.
The service, set to begin at 3:00 PM, is being organised in collaboration with the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya (EAK), and the Kenya Christian Professionals Forum (KCPF).
“On behalf of the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya (EAK), and the Kenya Christian Professionals Forum (KCPF), we invite you to the Interdenominational Prayer Service on the theme “Lest We Forget (Habakkuk 1:2-4)” scheduled for Sunday, June 22, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at All Saints’ Cathedral, Nairobi,” read a post on the NNCK official X account.
Organisers have called on the public to attend the service dressed in white shirts or tops and carry the national flag as a sign of peace, remembrance, and unity. The prayer gathering will include hymns, scripture readings, and messages of reconciliation delivered by church leaders and representatives from the three partnering organisations.
