The martyrs of historic Gen Z demos

This time last year, Kenya was at a crossroads.

What started as an outcry for accountability erupted into one of the most defining moments in the country’s history.

An electrified wave of resistance swept through the nation, led not by political heavyweights but by the fearless voices of Generation Z. Young, bold and connected through the social media, they rose against a system they felt had failed them, one marred by economic inequality, rampant corruption and a leadership that seemed increasingly detached from the reality.

The flashpoint? The contentious Finance Bill, 2024, a proposal packed with painful tax increases at a time when Kenyans were already grappling with rising costs and joblessness. It was the final straw.

Across Nairobi, Nakuru, Kisumu, Mombasa, Eldoret and beyond, youth poured onto the streets, armed with placards, passion, and a purpose — demand not just the withdrawal of the Bill but a government that listens, serves and leads with integrity.

What followed was both inspiring and heartbreaking—a national awakening that came at a heavy price.

The response was brutal.

What should have been a peaceful civic movement was met with bullets, teargas, and batons. As protesters marched with placards and flags, state forces came down hard on them, leaving a trail of deaths.  

Amnesty International reported 63 protest-related deaths, 83 abductions and 2,000 arbitrary arrests. Between June and August, more than 600 protesters were arrested for participating in peaceful demos, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, a State agency.

This is the story of a generation that dared to speak out and of the lives lost in the pursuit of a more just and accountable Kenya.

On June 25, 2024 — the day the Bill was brought before the National Assembly for approval — thousands of Gen Z protesters poured into the streets of cities and towns. While the demonstrations began peacefully, police met the protesters with brute force.

In Nairobi, it turned even more deadly after a group breached Parliament Buildings.

The pressure had been building up for days. On June 20, Rex Kanyike Masai, 29, was the first to lose his life when police tried to break up protests in Nairobi’s Central Business District. He was heading home when he was shot in the thigh and ultimately succumbed to his injuries. His death triggered a protest movement.

Other young people who lost their lives include:

Evans Kiratu Karobia

The 21-year-old plumber succumbed to injuries at the Kenyatta National Hospital after being struck by a rubber bullet and a teargas canister. A postmortem found he died from internal bleeding caused by inhaling teargas. 

Eric Kayoni Shieni

Eric was among those who entered Parliament grounds. A shot to the head ended the life of the 27-year-old, who had just completed his CPA Section Six and was set to graduate with a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance from the University of Nairobi.

David Chege

David, an information technology graduate from Maseno University, was shot on June 25 outside Parliament, clinging onto a Kenyan flag.

Ericson Kyalo Mutisya

A video circulating online showed Ericson, who worked at a butchery, dancing in white overalls moments before being fatally shot on June 25.

Emmanuel Tata

Known as “Giggs,” the 20-year-old university student suffocated from police teargas in Mombasa. He had gone home for school fees and was waiting for a matatu at the Mwembe Tayari bus stage.

Ibrahim Kamau

The 19-year-old boda boda rider from Nairobi’s Biafra slums was shot in the neck at Parliament.

Beasley Kogi Kamau

The 22-year-old went missing during the protests and was later found dead at the City Mortuary with multiple bullet wounds. Beasley, from Murera Ward in Juja, had taken a photo with a protest banner the day before he disappeared.

His last tweet at 2am before setting out for the protests was "Daima Mimi Mkenya, Mwananchi Mzalendo”.

Kennedy Onyango

Only 12, Kennedy was shot in the back. Known for his artistic talent and aspirations to visit the US, his death caused public outrage. An autopsy revealed he died from a single long-range bullet wound.

Margaret Oyuga

The medic who was volunteering during the Nairobi protests was hit by a bullet and died on way to the hospital after delay caused by police roadblocks. 

Credo Oyaro

The 17-year-old was shot in the head in Eldoret and died at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital.

Joash Ombati

A 36-year-old father of two from Ugembo in Kisii County was shot near Mombasa’s Post Office stage. His body was later found at the Coast General Hospital Mortuary. 

Brian Mike Kasaine

The 19-year-old hoped to join Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University. He was shot in the stomach near Narok Police Station.

Kennedy Mwangi Njeru

The body of the 22-year-old from Kirinyaga was found at the City after he was shot during in Nairobi. 

Brian Kimathi Kagwiria

Brian, from Tigania East in Meru, died from blunt force trauma to the head, according to a postmortem. His body was found in Ngara area. The circumstances of his death remain unclear.

Carlton Muthoni

The 24-year-old died after he was hit in the head in Ongata Rongai.

Denzel Omondi

The body of the 23-year-old was discovered in a quarry in Juja’s Mashimoni area. Autopsy indicated he drowned despite bruises visible on the back of his head and legs. 

Frankline Ondwari

His body was found hanging from a rope in an abandoned toilet in Ngumo Estate, Nairobi. A postmortem confirmed that he died from strangulation. But his mother Dyline Sabina, said: “I spoke to him at approximately 6.45pm. He told me he had been arrested while heading home from work.” Later, the family was told he had been released late that night.

Abdikadir Ayub  

Kadir died at the Kenyatta National Hospital after being shot.

Shaquile Obienge

The 21-year-old from Obede village, Kisumu County, was shot dead in Kitengela.