Kenya’s largest interfaith body has called for a credible inquiry into deaths, injuries and disappearances linked to the Gen Z protests, saying the country cannot achieve healing without truth and accountability.

In a statement issued ahead of the second anniversary of the June 25, 2024 demonstrations, the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK) said at least 60 young Kenyans were killed, more than 80 abducted and many others injured during protests that shook the country and transformed its political landscape.

The council, which brings together Christian, Muslim and Hindu organizations, said many families continue to live with unanswered questions two years later.
“Accountability and healing are not in opposition, they are companions on the road to national reconciliation,” the council said.

The faith leaders renewed calls for an independent inquiry into all fatalities and disappearances linked to demonstrations since June 2024, arguing that families deserve truth, closure and justice.

The statement comes as Kenya prepares to mark another June 25 anniversary amid heightened public attention on the legacy of the Gen Z movement, which mobilized thousands of young people around issues of governance, accountability and economic hardship.

While acknowledging government efforts to compensate affected families, IRCK urged authorities to ensure the process is implemented transparently and with dignity.

The council also appealed for restraint from both protesters and security agencies during commemorative events planned across the country.

“We call upon the National Police Service and all security agencies to fulfil their constitutional mandate of protecting all citizens, including those peacefully commemorating the day,” the statement said.

In one of its strongest messages, the council urged government leaders to listen more closely to young people, arguing that many who took to the streets in 2024 did so out of concern for the country’s future rather than hostility toward it.

“The young Kenyans who expressed their concerns in 2024 did so out of love for this country, and their voices deserve to be heard and valued,” the council said.

The interfaith body further offered to act as a bridge between government, youth, civil society and political actors, saying faith communities remain uniquely positioned to facilitate difficult national conversations.

The statement was issued on behalf of a coalition that includes the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, National Council of Churches of Kenya, Evangelical Alliance of Kenya, Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims, Hindu Council of Kenya and other faith organizations.

As the country approaches another emotionally charged June 25 anniversary, the message from Kenya’s religious leaders was clear that remembrance alone is not enough. Truth, accountability and dialogue remain unfinished business.