During this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations, Generation Z clashed with police officers at Uhuru Park in Nairobi.
The confrontation occurred when activists and young people, led by figures like Eric Omondi, attempted to hold a parallel celebration to honor those who died in recent anti-government protests.
The police responded with tear gas to disperse the crowd, leading to arrests and heightened tension.
Some activists condemned the use of force, stating that they were peacefully commemorating fallen heroes from previous protests.
The activists had gathered to honor over 60 young people who lost their lives in these protests, symbolizing their ongoing struggle for justice.
Activist Boniface Mwangi expressed frustration with the government’s continued suppression of peaceful demonstrations, questioning why police were using such excessive force.
Mwangi also reported that a protester named Hezbon Baraza was hospitalized after being shot by police.
Despite warnings from the Nairobi County government that public holidays like Mashujaa Day are reserved for family events, the activists attempted to proceed with their remembrance.
The police, however, had blocked access to the park early in the morning, preventing their plans from taking place, and escalating tensions between the demonstrators and the authorities.
