Families of Gen Z protest victims demand Ruto apology

Families of victims killed during the 2024 Gen Z protests address the media at the August 7th Memorial Park, Nairobi on June 20, 2025. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Families of victims of police brutality during last year's anti-Finance Bill protests are demanding an official apology from President Ruto, a year later.

The families say the country's top leadership has never shown remorse over the deaths despite their kin having been executed, maimed and injured by state agents.

"We demand a public acknowledgement and a formal apology from the President, Ministry of Interior and the presidency," said their representatives in a statement issued on Friday.

"To this day, no official has taken responsibility. The government's silence is deafening and shameful. Apologies will not bring our children back, but they are a necessary step towards healing and restoring trust."

According to the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), at least 63 people died primarily from gunshot wounds and blunt force trauma sustained during the Generation Z (Gen Z) protests to oppose punitive new taxes.

Further, the families have accused the government of abandoning them and want justice for the trauma, pain, and suffering they have endured since they went through the life-changing episode.

"Families should not be forced to bury their children and then suffer in silence. There must be accountability, reparations, and psychosocial support for those affected," reads the statement.

At the same time, the group is calling for the arrest and prosecution of the killer cops whose identities they say are known, in addition to an overhaul of the police service to end extrajudicial killings.

Various rights defenders and civil society groups are expected to join the families on Wednesday, June 25, for a march to commemorate the first anniversary of the Gen Z protests.

While the police have given clearance for the event, the families remain wary of potential infiltration by hired goons and violence that has marred recent protests including on Tuesday, June 17, when Benson Kariuki, a mask vendor was shot by a police officer at a close range in Nairobi.

"We issue this urgent and sincere caution to politicians across the divide to not send goons or hijack this moment," they warned.

"To the National Police Service and other security agencies, we are putting you on notice. This is a lawful, peaceful procession. We expect your cooperation, professionalism and restraint," the statement adds.