By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, 25 June 2026 - Clutching flowers and photographs of their children, mothers of young Kenyans killed or reported missing during the June 25, 2024 anti-government protests gathered in Nairobi on Thursday, demanding justice and accountability as the country marked the second anniversary of the demonstrations.
Leading the emotional commemoration was Gillian Munyao, the mother of Rex Masai, who held a placard bearing a blunt message: "Compensation cannot replace accountability. Arrest the killer cops."
"As you can see, this is the only message I have," she said quietly.
For many of the families, the anniversary was less about remembrance and more about unanswered questions that have lingered for two years.
Caroline Mutisya, mother of Erickson, who was shot dead near Parliament Buildings during the 2024 protests, said the family was still waiting for justice.
"My son was killed a day like today in 2024. Today, we just want justice from the government and, above all, accountability," she said.
Wanjiku Kamau, whose son Ibrahim Kamau Wanjiku was only 19 when he was shot dead outside Parliament, urged authorities to prosecute officers responsible for the killings.
"I want to tell the government that all police officers who killed our children should be arrested and prosecuted accordingly," she said.
"Since we started holding these commemoration ceremonies, they have continued killing our young people. We are demanding justice."
Phoebe Akumu, mother of 16-year-old Kevin Odhiambo, said her only wish was to honour her son's memory at the place where he died.
"I just want the government to allow us to go and place flowers and candles at Parliament in honour of our children who were killed by the police. That is where my son was killed," she said.
"Kevin was only 16 years old and a student. I just want to stand there peacefully and place flowers and candles in his remembrance."
For Mary Gititia, the agony is different. Her son, Denis Chege, disappeared during the protests and has never been found.
"Since 2024 to date, I have not seen my son. I am asking, where is my son who went missing mysteriously during the protests?" she said.
"It is now two years and I am filled with pain because I do not know where my son is."
Jecinta Anyango, mother of 12-year-old Kennedy Onyango, fought back tears as she appealed directly to President William Ruto.
"Please Mr President, all we are requesting is justice," she said.
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"By the time he was shot dead, Kennedy was only 12 years old. If it was the other way round and my son had wronged the government, action would have been taken immediately. But when we ask that the police officers who killed our children be brought to book, nothing is forthcoming."
She added: "I am only left with such a day to remember my son who was taken away from me by a bullet. Let us be allowed to mourn our children peacefully."
Human rights activist Hussein Khalid of Vocal Africa said the families were carrying flowers, not weapons.
"As you can see, we are armed with flowers and we are asking the police to resist using force against peaceful protesters," he said.
"We are marching towards Parliament to lay our flowers and hold prayers for our fallen children."
The commemorative march was joined by former Chief Justice David Maraga, former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, People's Liberation Party leader Martha Karua, DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa and Siaya Governor James Orengo, among other leaders.
Addressing mourners, Maraga called for accountability for all those responsible for the deaths.
"We must press for justice for those who were killed. The police officers and all those who were involved must be held to account and prosecuted," he said.
A heavy police presence was deployed around Parliament Buildings, with roads leading to the precincts barricaded. Families were eventually allowed to lay wreaths at the entrance to Parliament, although several activists were arrested as the ceremony proceeded.
The families were commemorating the June 25, 2024 demonstrations that culminated in the storming of Parliament and left dozens of people dead, injured or missing.
In a statement released on the eve of the anniversary, Kalonzo described June 25 as "Liberation Day" and urged Kenyans to honour those who sacrificed their lives during the protests against the controversial Finance Bill.
"It's Liberation Day, a day to honour those who gave their lives for the future of our Republic," he said.
The Wiper leader described the events of June 25, 2024 as a defining moment in Kenya's democratic history.
"Two years ago, young Kenyans from every corner of this Republic poured into our streets and said, with one voice: Enough," he said.