Kalonzo announces June 25 ‘mother of all demos’ to mark anti-Finance Bill protest deaths

Speaking to residents at Katutu market in Kitui West on Wednesday, Kalonzo said the cost-of-living pressures facing households were worsening, claiming fuel in Kenya is more expensive than in neighbouring countries.

He also accused the government of mishandling education and alleged continued theft of public funds.

Kalonzo said he had instructed Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo Jr to intervene for 11 people who were arrested during protests over the high cost of fuel.

“Senator wa Makueni nimemwambia aende atoe hao watoto, kumi na mmoja…,” he said.

He further announced plans for a major protest on June 25, 2026, which he said will be held to commemorate young people who were shot during last year’s anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.

Kalonzo said the opposition would push for June 25 to be recognised as a national day of remembrance if the United opposition forms the next government.

“The mother of all protests will be on June 25 this year to commemorate the day when Kenyan youth were shot dead by the government while protesting injustices,” he said.

Separately, former Attorney General Justin Muturi called for a multi-stakeholder meeting with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), saying the commission should engage political parties, civil society and the media on electoral matters rather than issuing statements.

Muturi said the ongoing enhanced voter registration is set to end next week, and warned that if IEBC does not convene talks within two weeks, stakeholders would mobilise to stage a sit-in at the commission’s headquarters.

DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa also weighed in, alleging attempts to register voters outside Kenya and calling for investigations into claims of non-citizens being issued with Kenyan voting documents.

"Tunataka IEBC waangalie jamaa anaita Robert Pukose wa kule Endebes, tunajua hapo wanaandikisha watu kutoka Uganda kule Sebei.. wanapatiana kadi ya za uchaguzi kwa watu wasio Wakenya," Wamalwa said.