Gen Z Marks Anniversary with Powerful Protest Across Kenya

PHOTO | FACEBOOK

Thousands of young Kenyans marched yesterday in a historic protest to mark one year since the original Gen Z-led demonstrations that shook the nation in  June 2024. The 2025 protests took place peacefully in major towns, including Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, and Nakuru, sending a clear message: Accountability, justice, and leadership that listens.

Named “Gen Z Reloaded,” the protests honored the movement that challenged government excess, police brutality, and economic mismanagement. They also showed that Kenya’s youth remain politically aware, organized, and determined.

Peaceful, Powerful, and Purposeful

Unlike past protests that became chaotic due to outside interference or heavy police presence, this year’s anniversary march was mostly peaceful and well-organized. Protesters wore black T-shirts and carried signs with messages such as:

“We are the voice of the voiceless” 

“Justice for Ojwang, Justice for All” 

“You messed with the wrong generation” 

They marched in silence for part of the route to honor victims of police violence, including Albert Ojwang, the teacher-blogger whose recent death in custody sparked nationwide outrage.

A Movement Matured

The anniversary protest demonstrated how the Gen Z movement has grown from street anger to organized civic action. Protesters used QR codes for petitions, live-streamed events on TikTok and Instagram, and handed out printed copies of the Constitution to educate those around them.

“We’re not just marching—we’re mobilizing minds,” said 22-year-old university student.

Police Maintain Distance, Under Watchful Eye

Learning from past events, the National Police Service seemed to take a measured approach, avoiding confrontational tactics. Human rights monitors from Amnesty International and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) were present, ensuring no brutality occurred.

Only minor incidents were reported in Kisii and Eldoret, where suspected infiltrators tried to disrupt the event but were quickly separated by protesters.

Wider Support, Global Echoes

Messages of support came from Kenyan communities abroad in the UK, US, and South Africa, with candlelight vigils and digital protests held in front of embassies. Social media buzzed with the hashtag #GenZAnniversaryProtest, which trended globally for over 10 hours.

PHOTO | the standard

The Gen Z Anniversary Protest was more than just a remembrance. It reaffirmed the power and civic duty of young people. With creativity, unity, and strong determination, Kenya’s youngest voters are changing the national conversation and making it clear that democracy is not a spectator sport.

As one protester’s sign boldly stated:

“We’re not the leaders of tomorrow. We’re the leaders of now.”