'Respect our pain': Families of June 25th police killing victims set for anniversary demos next week

Families of victims of police killings during last year's anti-Finance Bill protests will hold protest marches in Nairobi and across the country on Wednesday next week to mark the first anniversary of their kin's deaths. 

The families, led by the mothers of the victims, said they expect police protection for the march, which they say will be peaceful.

At the same time, they have asked the government to expedite the search for justice for the deaths of their children.

"We ask that you do not hijack this moment. This day belongs to the families who buried their children and not political opportunists. We've seen how paid thugs are used to infiltrate peaceful protests. We will not allow them to take advantage of our grief to be manipulated for personal or political gain. Respect our pain, stand with us or stay away," Njanja Maina, advocate, noted. 

"To the National Police Service (NPS), we are putting you on notice, this is a lawful and peaceful procession. We expect your cooperation, professionalism and restraint."

In one of the turning points of the country's history, Gen Zs are expected to commemorate the anniversary of the June 25th protests by holding a peaceful procession while demanding justice and good governance.

Posters circulating online are urging the youth to show up armed with a flag and a water bottle as they honour the memories of those who died during the protests. 

In response to the planned protests, Nairobi police chief George Seda confirmed that police had received official communication from organisers and reassured the public that the security organs would guarantee safety for all. 

“We have the plan and we shall be there to provide enough and good security to ensure every person who is going to participate and those not going to participate will be safe, for that matter,” Seda on Wednesday this week.

“As for June 25th, we have enhanced plans. We equally have a copy of the letter which was delivered to Central (Police Station)."

He also urged the protesters to avoid breaking the law, referencing past incidents in the Nairobi CBD where businesses have been broken into. 

“Let’s restrict ourselves to what we call peaceful demonstrations. Let’s not have demonstrations which are going to interfere with other people who may not be part of the demonstrators,” Seda appealed.