Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka. File Photo. 
By Andrew Mbuva.
Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka has renewed calls for accountability over the deaths, disappearances and alleged human rights violations linked to the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests, while urging the government to officially recognize June 25 as a national Liberation Day.
In a statement issued ahead of the second anniversary of the June 25, 2024 demonstrations, Kalonzo described the Gen Z-led protests as a defining moment in Kenya’s democratic history, saying the movement awakened the nation’s conscience and inspired young people across the world to stand against injustice, corruption and poor governance.
The former Vice President said the protests emerged after young Kenyans scrutinized the Finance Bill 2024 and concluded that it placed additional burdens on citizens already struggling with the high cost of living.
“On June 25, 2024, the young people of this country exercised their constitutional rights to assemble, picket and demonstrate peacefully,” Kalonzo said, adding that the demonstrations represented the sovereign will of the people as protected under the Constitution.
Kalonzo sharply criticized the government’s response to the protests, describing it as “calculated, shameful and contemptible.” He cited the use of live ammunition against unarmed demonstrators, enforced disappearances and arbitrary arrests as some of the actions that continue to haunt the country.
He further condemned the branding of protesters as terrorists and recalled his involvement in representing some of the arrested youth in court, where he said he helped secure the withdrawal of charges against them.
The opposition leader called on the government, Parliament and security agencies to account for every life lost and every person who disappeared during the demonstrations.
He also urged police officers to exercise maximum restraint during any planned commemorative activities, warning against the use of excessive force, hired gangs or live ammunition against demonstrators.
Despite the sacrifices made during the 2024 protests, Kalonzo expressed disappointment that Parliament recently passed the Finance Bill 2026/2027, arguing that the move suggested that leaders had failed to learn from the events that shook the country two years ago.
He, however, praised legislators who opposed the legislation, saying they had demonstrated courage by voting in line with the wishes of Kenyans.
At the same time, he criticized lawmakers who absented themselves during the vote, accusing them of abandoning their constitutional responsibilities.
Kalonzo endorsed a six-point agenda advanced by Kenyan youth and said it reflected the aspirations of a generation seeking justice, accountability and democratic governance.
He reiterated his long-standing proposal that June 25 be declared a national public holiday to honor those who lost their lives during the protests.
“Liberation Day” would serve as a national day of remembrance, reflection and accountability, he said.
The opposition leader further insisted that justice must extend beyond compensation, arguing that those responsible for deaths, abductions and torture should be held accountable, including individuals who allegedly ordered or facilitated the actions.
Kalonzo singled out the case of slain protester Rex Masai, saying investigative failures had undermined the pursuit of justice. He pointed to concerns over missing evidence and inadequate investigations, warning that such shortcomings could deny victims and their families justice.
He also noted that many young people who participated in the demonstrations continue to live in fear, with some reportedly forced to abandon their homes, studies and employment opportunities.
According to Kalonzo, the country cannot claim to have achieved peace while many young people remain traumatized and unable to rebuild their lives.
As Kenya marks the second anniversary of the June 25 protests, Kalonzo called for renewed commitment to truth, justice and constitutional governance, saying the sacrifices made by the youth had changed the national conversation and strengthened demands for a more accountable government.
He said history would remember the young protesters not as victims, but as patriots who stood up in defense of justice, dignity and the future of the country.
