By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Kenya, 21 June 2026 - Siaya Governor James Orengo has called on Kenyans to turn out in large numbers on June 25 to commemorate those who lost their lives during last year's anti-government protests and to demand accountability from the government.
In a statement on Sunday, Mr Orengo described June 25 as a day of "remembrance and resistance," saying the country must honour young Kenyans who died while advocating for economic justice.
“We will not watch as the blood of our children is treated as a footnote. June 25 remains a public holiday of remembrance and resistance,” said Mr Orengo.
He cited several individuals, including Rex Maasai, Herbert Ojwang' and Erickson, who was reportedly shot outside Parliament, as among those who lost their lives during the demonstrations.
“More than 50 brave young Kenyans, our unsung heroes, lost their lives fighting for economic justice. We must come out in large numbers to commemorate them,” he said.
The governor also reiterated his opposition to the Finance Bill, urging President William Ruto not to assent to what he termed punitive tax measures.
“Our position remains firm: President Ruto must not sign the punitive Finance Bill into law,” he said.
Mr Orengo praised Members of Parliament who voted against the Bill and those who boycotted parliamentary proceedings in protest.
“I salute the brave Linda Mwananchi Movement MPs who boldly voted no, and the many legislators who intentionally boycotted Parliament in protest. The Executive must listen to the sovereign voice of the people,” he said.
The governor further accused the government of tolerating violence against peaceful protesters and condemned what he described as the deployment of goons to disrupt demonstrations.
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He specifically referenced incidents at Nairobi's All Saints Cathedral, where protesters reportedly sought refuge during recent demonstrations.
Mr Orengo also criticised remarks attributed to a Homa Bay legislator calling for security agencies to "shoot to kill" violent protesters, and challenged both Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and President Ruto to address concerns over alleged state-sponsored violence.
“I challenge both the Minister of Interior and President William Ruto to break their silence and come clean on this state-sanctioned violence,” he said.
The governor urged Kenyans unable to participate in the planned demonstrations to show solidarity by remaining at home and following events from wherever they are.
“Let the silence of our empty streets be a roaring testament against tyranny. We will not forget, and we will not back down,” he said.
The June 25 demonstrations are expected to be held in various parts of the country as activists, opposition leaders and civil society groups commemorate those who died during the anti-finance bill protests and call for reforms on governance, accountability and economic policy.
The government has maintained that it respects the constitutional right to peaceful assembly but has warned against violence, destruction of property and other criminal acts during demonstrations.