Kenya's anti-riot police were out in full force in the capital, Nairobi, on Thursday, two years after Gen Z protesters breached the grounds of Kenya's parliament during demonstrations against a 2024 finance bill.
For many young Kenyans, June 25 is no longer just a protest date; it has become a symbol of resistance against police brutality, economic hardship and what activists see as a growing gap between leaders and citizens.
Many young Kenyans say little has fundamentally changed. Youth unemployment, rising cost of living and concerns over governance continue to resonate across the same generation that first mobilized online and poured into the streets.
"June 25th is a reminder of what this regime is all about," Faith Njeri, a university student in Nairobi, told DW. "It is a reminder of when you guys lost legitimacy to the people of Kenya… because of just simply saying no to the finance bill."
Others emphasized the importance of commemoration."Thursday is our greatest day that is about to happen," said youth activist Brian Otieno. "Celebrate the life of the comrades who died… We are coming with flowers. So your government should prepare to give us security."
