Former Chief Justice David Maraga has condemned police actions during the June 25 Gen Z memorial march, alleging that officers forcefully dispersed mourners who had gathered to honour young Kenyans killed during the 2024 anti-government protests.
In a statement shared on his X account, Maraga said the group had been heading to Parliament to lay flowers at the site where several protesters lost their lives when police intervened and broke up the procession.
“Today as we marched to Parliament to lay flowers at the site where Kenyan Youth were shot dead, police violently dispersed us a few metres from the precincts of Parliament,” he said.
Maraga revealed that among those present was the mother of Rex Masai, one of the most recognizable faces of the Gen Z protests. He said the situation became tense as police moved in on the demonstrators.
“I pulled Rex Masai’s mother, who was marching next to me into my vehicle as other mothers and victims found refuge in the few cars on site,” he stated.
According to the former Chief Justice, the group was forced to leave the area while being pursued by officers.
“We drove away as police men pursued us,” he added.
Maraga maintained that the participants had gathered lawfully and were exercising rights protected under the Constitution. He argued that their only intention was to commemorate those who lost their lives during the demonstrations.
“We were guilty of one thing: peaceful demonstration and picketing as allowed by our Constitution in remembrance of these young heroes,” he said.
The former Chief Justice reiterated calls for accountability over the deaths and injuries recorded during the 2024 protests, insisting that justice remains a key demand for victims and their families.
“As a people, we shall not relent until we deliver justice and accountability for the victims,” Maraga declared.
He concluded his statement with a message of hope and determination, saying, “#Ukombozi is nigh.”
The June 25 memorial activities were held across the country to mark the second anniversary of the Gen Z protests that shook the nation in 2024.
