Families of Fallen Protest Victims Set to March on State House on Monday Over Delayed Justice
Grieving parents and relatives of young Kenyans killed during the deadly anti-government protests of 2024 and 2025 are set to stage a peaceful march to State House on Monday, demanding an urgent audience with President William Ruto over what they describe as “prolonged delays” in delivering justice and compensation.
The procession, organised by families of victims from the youth-led demonstrations against tax hikes, corruption and police brutality, will begin at Jeevanjee Gardens in Nairobi at 9am before proceeding to the presidential residence.
In a formal notice submitted to police, the families emphasised that the event is “not a protest but a plea for justice”, insisting participants will carry only flowers and the national flag.
“We ask that he finally hear the cries of families facing a Christmas without the laughter of their loved ones,” the notice stated. “We also march in solidarity with the many survivors left paralysed or permanently disabled.”
The march comes amid ongoing frustration over accountability for dozens of deaths during the protests, which erupted in June 2024 over the controversial Finance Bill and reignited in 2025, culminating in further fatalities during commemorations and fresh demonstrations.
Human rights groups, including the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU), have documented a pattern of excessive force by security officers. In its latest report, IMLU revealed that three out of every five extrajudicial killings recorded during the period involved victims being shot from behind, suggesting they were fleeing and unarmed.
Kelvin Simba, brother of 19-year-old Mike Brian Kasaine – who was fatally shot during protests in Narok in 2024 – highlighted the findings. “The IMLU report shows that three out of every five extrajudicial killings involved shots fired from behind, indicating victims were fleeing and unarmed,” he said.
As of December 18, 2025 – marking 547 days since the death of Rex Masai, one of the first victims killed in Nairobi on June 20, 2024 – the families claim no police officer has faced prosecution.
The bereaved relatives also accused the government of stalling on compensation, despite President Ruto’s proclamation on August 8, 2025, establishing a framework for reparations to victims of police violence dating back to 2017.
The initiative, led by Prof Makau Mutua, aimed to provide redress for both civilians and security personnel affected by unrest, but families say little progress has been made.
The families argue that while President Ruto has met numerous delegations and allocated resources elsewhere, they have been repeatedly ignored.
“In the spirit of Christmas, we seek a peaceful audience with the President to discuss justice and support for these families,” the notice added.
Invoking Article 37 of the Kenyan Constitution, which guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and petition, the organisers requested police protection.
“Please note that this is a peaceful assembly… We formally request a police escort to ensure the safety of all attendees and to maintain public order during the procession,” they wrote.
“This is not a protest but a plea for justice, and we trust that the police will not harass, assault, or arrest grieving parents and siblings seeking to meet the President.”
The planned march underscores the lingering pain from protests that claimed over 60 lives in 2024 alone, according to rights organisations, with further deaths reported in 2025 clashes. Families hope the festive season will prompt the President to finally address their calls for accountability and support.
Families of Fallen Protest Victims Set to March on State House on Monday Over Delayed Justice