'We will not move on’: Grieving parents launch petition over Gen Z protest killings

Nearly a year after the bloodshed, not a single conviction has been secured. The government remains silent, even as autopsy reports confirmed that gunshot wounds and blunt force trauma were the leading causes of death among the 60 recorded fatalities.

The families have now launched a petition, which they plan to present to Parliament on June 25, 2025—marking the first anniversary of what many call a national tragedy.

The mood was solemn. Rows of framed photographs captured the faces of the young—lives frozen in time. Mothers and fathers stood shoulder to shoulder, calling for accountability and compensation.

Edith Wanjiku Kamau, whose son Ibrahim was among the victims, delivered a searing plea:

“Arrest and prosecute the killer cops and their commanders who directed and executed the murder of innocent, peaceful protesters. Provide compensation for the victims’ families and for those who were injured.”

Her voice was echoed by other grieving parents, each carrying deep personal wounds. Gillian Munyao, the mother of Rex Masai, spoke quietly about the fear still gripping many witnesses:

“If you ask someone to come forward and testify, they’ll say, ‘I can, but my mother refused.’”

Paul Tata, father of Emanuel Gigs Tata, described how the loss changed everything:

“I had no illness, but now I’m diabetic. His mother—she broke down. She doesn’t even want to hear about it. I didn’t tell her I was coming here today. She said, ‘Let it be.’”

For Phebe Akumu Maina, mother of Kevin, the pain is unbearable. “He left a gap I don’t see myself ever filling,” she said. “I’ll continue doing laundry for people, being insulted, until the end of my life.”

Despite the sorrow, a sense of unity emerged—grief giving way to resilience. Candles were lit, arms linked, as the families vowed to carry on the fight for justice.

Among them were activists, calling out the government’s failure to act. Halid Hussein of Vocal Africa criticized politicians who have urged the country to move on.

“Those MPs are so out of touch with reality. The people standing here today are living proof that Kenya has not moved on—and we will not move on until justice is done for the martyrs of the Gen Z protest.”

Renowned activist Boniface Mwangi called for national recognition of the tragedy.

“We must mourn our shujaas. The government must know that June 25 is a holiday—not just declared by Kenyans, but by the parents of our martyrs.”

According to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), 60 protesters died on that day. Over 200 others were injured. Yet, only two cases have progressed to court, and several files recommended for prosecution remain pending with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

One mother, Rose Kihuga, whose son Mike was among the victims, delivered her message directly:

“Mr. President Ruto—we demand justice for our children.”