Kenyans unite against Gaza genocide, call for Israel boycott at Uhuru Park protest

Thousands of Muslims and pro-Palestinian supporters gathered at Uhuru Park in Nairobi on Sunday to protest Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza and raise funds for humanitarian relief.

The event brought together Islamic scholars, political leaders, imams from across the country, civil society leaders, and members of the public, all expressing solidarity with Palestinians facing conflict, blockade, and displacement.

Among the attendees were Sheikh Jamaludin Osman, imam of Jamia Mosque—the largest mosque in Kenya—Hassan Omar, Secretary General of the ruling United Democratic Alliance Party, senior religious leaders from Nairobi and beyond, and Amnesty International Kenya’s Director, Irũngũ Houghton. Representatives from various NGOs and human rights groups were also present.

The gathering served both as a rally against what speakers described as genocide and violations of international law, and as a platform to raise humanitarian support. Contributions were collected to provide medical supplies, food aid, and other essentials for Palestinians.

Funds were also raised for an environmental initiative to plant trees in memory of Palestinians who have lost their lives in the conflict.

Nationwide participation

Islamic committees, schools, and mosques from different parts of Kenya joined the fundraising drive, showing nationwide participation.

Speakers stressed that the Palestinian cause transcends religion, ethnicity, and nationality. They framed it as an issue of human rights and dignity, urging people of all backgrounds to stand against injustice and suffering.

Hassan Omar called on the Kenyan government to take a firm stance, urging it to classify Israel as a terrorist entity.

“We need to emphasise as Muslims a resolution to gazette the terrorist, Zionist state of Israel as a terrorist organisation,” he said.

Sheikh Jamaludin Osman urged Muslims in Kenya to boycott Israeli-linked products such as KFC and Coca-Cola, arguing that their consumption indirectly funds Israel’s actions.

“I want to send a message to our brothers who are still eating KFC I want to send a message to our brothers and sisters who are still drinking Coca-Cola; these are people who are supporting the genocide,” he said.

Human rights organisations also pressed the government to act.

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Condemn Israel

Amnesty International's Irũngũ Houghton urged Kenya to condemn Israel for violating international law in Gaza and for its illegal occupation of Palestinian territories.

“We call on the New York and Geneva missions paid for by our taxes to consistently vote for UN resolutions to call for the end of hostility, protection of civilians, full accountability for war crimes and the realisation of a two-state solution,” he said.

Participants further condemned what they described as the hypocrisy of world powers that continue to allow Israeli military actions without accountability.

They argued that global silence and inaction have prolonged Palestinian suffering and worsened the humanitarian crisis.

Conditions in Gaza remain dire. More than two million people face extreme hardship, with severe shortages of food, medical supplies, and essential services.

Many households survive on minimal rations, while hospitals struggle with inadequate resources. Rising malnutrition, particularly among children, is becoming an alarming concern.

Since October 2023, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has reportedly killed at least 65,283 Palestinians and injured 166,575. Thousands more are believed to be buried under the rubble of destroyed buildings.