With June 25 just hours away, celebrities and Kenyans on social media have revived a trend aimed at honouring those who died during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests.
In a TikTok video seen by TNX Africa, digital creator Allan Ademba compiled clips of celebrities, media personalities, activists and newsmakers taking part in the challenge.
Each participant mentioned the name of a fallen protester before declaring their readiness to vote in the 2027 General Election using the phrase, "Niko kadi."
"Niko kadi and this week, I am Denzel Omondi," one participant said, while another added, "Niko kadi and this week, I am Rex Masai."
Among those featured were Prankstar Nicki Bigfish, DJ Krowbar, Maina Kageni, Willis Raburu, Ziya Africa, Willie Oeba, Ciku Muriuki, Wanjiku Steven, Gen Z Baddie and Ezekiel Kyama, popularly known as Mr Speaker Sir.
Ademba captioned the video with a call for Kenyans to remember those who lost their lives during the demonstrations.
@adembaallans Who are you this week? Mbona uko kadi? Light a candle for the fallen heroes. Honour our mashujaaz the best way you can.
♬ original sound - ademba Allans
"Who are you this week? Mbona uko kadi? Light a candle for the fallen heroes. Honour our mashujaa the best way you can," he wrote.
Some of the victims linked to the June 2024 protests include Erickson Mutisya (Kyalo), David Chege, Eric Shieni, Ibrahim Kamau Wanjiru, Kelvin Odhiambo Maina, Beasley Kogi (Kamau), Wilson Sitati, Kenneth Njiru Mwangi and Ernest Kanyi, among others.
Nearly two years after the protests that fuelled the Gen Z movement, only a handful of cases have reached court.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) recently revealed that of the 62 deaths linked to the demonstrations, only three cases have been filed in court.
The update comes ahead of the June 25, 2026 memorial march, where families, activists and civil society groups are expected to commemorate the victims and push for accountability.
According to IPOA Vice Chairperson Ann Mwangi, 46 cases remain under investigation.
Three files are under review by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, one is undergoing internal review, while nine have been closed due to insufficient evidence.
Mwangi said investigations into police conduct during large-scale protests are often complex and rely on support from agencies such as the National Forensic Laboratory and the Government Chemist for ballistic and forensic analysis.
She added that the completion of an investigation does not automatically result in prosecution, as the ODPP must first determine whether there is sufficient evidence to sustain a case in court.
The anti-Finance Bill protests peaked on June 25, 2024, when demonstrators breached Parliament buildings in Nairobi.
The ensuing police response sparked allegations of excessive force and unlawful killings, turning the movement into a powerful symbol of youth-led activism and demands for police reforms.
IPOA also disclosed that the June 2025 memorial protests resulted in 27 deaths, with only one case currently before the courts.
A month later, the July 2025 Saba Saba protests recorded another 38 deaths.
In total, the three protest waves have generated 127 death-related cases under investigation, although IPOA has withheld specific details to protect witnesses and preserve the integrity of ongoing proceedings.