Kenya braced for nationwide protests on Wednesday, June 25, marking the first anniversary of the deadly anti-Finance Bill demonstrations of 2024. This year, the #GenZProtest movement, largely unled but highly mobilized, renewed its push against police brutality, extrajudicial killings, and bad governance, demanding justice for those who lost their lives.

The 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests saw thousands of youths take to the streets, leading to dozens of fatalities. Among the victims remembered are Rex Masai, Albert Ojwang, Boniface Kariuki, Austin Onyisa, Charles Osewe, and Evans Kiratu. Families of these victims, such as Maria Shikwe, mother of Austin Onyisa who was shot dead while searching for his brother, and Joseph Nyangare, father of Charles Osewe who disappeared after arrest and was later found dead, continue to grapple with grief and a stagnating justice system. Hannah Wanjera, whose son Evans Kiratu died after being hit by a teargas canister, also awaits justice. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) reported 60 deaths linked to police brutality during the protests under investigation, but families lament slow progress and lack of accountability.

Despite the inherent dangers, Gen Z youths expressed unwavering determination. Emotional farewell messages went viral, including one from God Fao to his mother and another from a young woman lamenting unemployment and shattered dreams, both prepared to die for a better future. Makana Edwin, a 26-year-old, also penned his own eulogy. This profound readiness underscores the desperation and conviction driving the movement.

In response to the planned demonstrations, the government deployed a heavy police presence across Nairobi and other major towns. Key access roads to the Central Business District (CBD) were sealed off, and sensitive government installations like Parliament Buildings and State House were fortified with razor wire and barricades. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, accompanied by top security officials, conducted early morning tours of the city, affirming the government's commitment to safeguarding lives and property. Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja issued stern warnings against accessing protected areas or engaging in provocative acts, emphasizing that while peaceful assembly is a constitutional right, maintaining public order is paramount. President William Ruto publicly supported the police, describing them as the