Opposition leaders attend memorial for protest victims ahead of June 25 demos
The leaders declared June 25 a symbolic public holiday dedicated to fallen Gen Z protesters.
A section of opposition leaders on Sunday attended an interdenominational ceremony held at the All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi, in remembrance of Kenyan lives lost during the anti-government demonstrations in June last year.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga, DAP-Kenya party leader Eugene Wamalwa, and Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka were all in attendance at the event, which was held under the banner 'Lest We Forget June 25'.
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The event was organised by faith-based organisations, including the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya (EAK), the Kenya Christian Professionals Forum (KCPF), among others.
Former CJ David Maraga has urged President William Ruto to take full responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of Kenyans, warning against actions that could destabilise the country
— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) June 22, 2025
Maraga: The ultimate security and welfare of the people of Kenya rests in your hands, please… pic.twitter.com/XmcoNdd7vT
Reports indicate that the gathering was planned to include scripture readings, silent observances and tributes, intended to promote a collective journey toward justice and healing.
The memorial comes just days before the planned nationwide June 25 protests, slated for Wednesday, reignited by the death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang, who died while in police custody.
Opposition leaders, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, have urged the public not to report for work on Wednesday in honour of those killed during last year's anti-government demonstrations.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga (left) and Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka at the All Saints Cathedral, Nairobi on June 22, 2025. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)
The leaders also declared June 25 a symbolic public holiday dedicated to fallen Gen Z protesters. The opposition insists the planned events will be peaceful and focused on remembrance.
Civil society groups and youth activists have urged participants to hold peaceful demonstrations amid concerns that criminal elements could infiltrate them to stir unrest.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, who has denied hiring goons to disrupt protests last week, has since urged participants to refrain from violence on the said day.
"I urge all Kenyans and the people of Nairobi to reject violence and criminal behaviour as they take to the streets this coming week. I have spoken to the command of the police to assure peaceful demonstrators that they will be protected as they express their rights," he said on Sunday.
"Let everyone respect the law. Violence, riots, and chaos are not signs of democracy, and there will be no such thing going forward. We will protect our city and beloved country in accordance with the law."
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