JAMILA'S MEMO: Call them by their name

On Wednesday, June 25th, 2025, Kenyans filled the streets—marching not in rebellion, but in remembrance. It was a protest to honour those who died on the same day, one year ago, while demanding a fairer, freer country.

The total number of Kenyans who have now lost their lives during these demonstrations stands at over 80. Once again, the day ended not in peace, but in pain.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights has confirmed the deaths of 21 individuals during the protests. This brings the total number of lives lost in protests over the past year to more than 80.

I will now read their names aloud—not to stir anger, but to honour their memory and remind us all of the cost of ignoring the cries of a generation.

1. Samuel Kisesi – Machakos County (Matuu)
2. Dennis Njuguna Ngugi – Nakuru (Molo)
3. William Musyimi Mutevu – Matuu, Mbaku funeral home
4. Ian Muindi – Kiambu (Juja)
5. Brian Ndung’u – Nyandarua (Ol Kalou)
6. Fred Wamale Wanyonyi – Stima Plaza, Nairobi
7. Garison Mutisya – Makueni (Emali)
8. Peter Makau – Makueni (Emali)
9. Ian Opango – Rongai
10. Kenneth Ouma – Nyeri (Karatina)
11. Joseph Ndonga – Nyeri Town, Mwai Kibaki Hospital
12. David Mwangi Karanja – Nairobi (Villa Imara)
13. Teddy Dan Owino – Juja, Kiambu County
14. Kevin Njau – Kikuyu
15. Sammy Gitau – Mwihoko, Nairobi
16. Moses Mwangi Kabura – OTC, Nairobi
17. Abdul Juma Okello – Pipeline, Nairobi

There are others whose names we do not yet know—whose families may still be searching, still waiting for answers. We honour them too:

18. Unidentified person – Eldoret (White Castle)
19. Unidentified person – Nyeri (Karatina)
20. Unidentified person – Nyeri Town

And then, there is Boniface Kariuki. Shot by a police officer as he sold face masks in the streets of Nairobi. He wasn’t protesting. He was working, trying to earn a living.

The incident, captured on video, shocked the country. After two surgeries and days in the ICU, Boniface was declared brain dead. He died soon after. Boniface wasn’t part of the demonstration, but he is part of the story.

We owe them more than a moment of silence—we owe them the courage to ask hard questions and the will to demand answers.

To their families, we grieve with you. To the nation: May we never forget that democracy should not come with a death toll. To those in power: may justice speak louder than politics, and may truth rise louder than fear.