Safina Party leader Jimi Wanjigi has paid tribute to young Kenyans who participated in the June 25, 2024 Gen Z protests, describing their actions as a defining moment in the country’s history and calling for justice, accountability, and the protection of constitutional freedoms.
In a statement released on June 25, 2026, to mark the second anniversary of the demonstrations, Wanjigi said the nation was honouring the courage, patriotism and sacrifice of the young men and women who lost their lives while demanding a better Kenya.
“Today, we join millions of Kenyans in solemn remembrance of the young men and women who lost their lives during the historic Gen Z protests of June 25, 2024, fighting for a better Kenya,” he said.
Wanjigi noted that although two years have passed since the protests, the pain remains fresh for many families who continue to seek justice for their loved ones.
He said the demonstrations marked a defining chapter in Kenya’s history, with young people standing up for accountability, economic dignity and constitutionalism.
The Safina Party leader condemned what he termed as excessive force, unlawful violence and deadly crackdowns against protesters, insisting that no Kenyan should lose their life for exercising a constitutional right.
“As a nation, we must declare unequivocally, no Kenyan should lose their life for exercising a constitutional right,” he stated.
Wanjigi also defended the right to peaceful assembly and protest, reminding leaders that it is protected under the Constitution.
“President Ruto, you swore an oath to protect the Constitution, not to pour blood all over it. The right to peacefully assemble and protest is not a privilege granted by the state; it is a fundamental right guaranteed to every Kenyan,” he said.
He further criticized alleged attacks on media freedom, citing Article 34 of the Constitution, which guarantees the independence of the media.
“Media freedom is a right to be exercised, not to be begged for. Respect for these rights is not optional. It is a constitutional obligation,” Wanjigi said.
The opposition politician called for full protection of the constitutional rights to peaceful assembly, demonstration and freedom of expression, reforms within the security sector to safeguard human rights, and respect for media freedom.
As the country marked the anniversary, Wanjigi urged Kenyans to remain vigilant in defending the Constitution and ensuring accountability.
“To those we lost, your memories live on, and we shall do it for you and for Kenya,” he said.
He concluded by expressing solidarity with grieving families and injured survivors, saying the sacrifices made during the protests should never be forgotten, politicized, or erased from the nation’s conscience.
