Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has suggested that June 25 be officially declared a public holiday in memory of the Gen Z youths who lost their lives during the anti-Finance Bill protests.
Speaking on Thursday at the official launch of the People’s Liberation Party, Kalonzo emphasized that June 25 represents a true liberation day for Kenyans.
He said the day should serve as a symbol of resistance against injustice, a rejection of abductions, a stand against the looting of the country’s resources, and a commitment to ending poverty among Kenyans.
“I want to make a very serious proposal—to honour the young Kenyans who lost their lives, many of them on June 25, which I now refer to as J25. If young Kenyans accept it, we will officially declare it a public holiday,” Kalonzo stated.
The Wiper leader praised the courage and determination shown by Gen Z protesters, saying their bravery made them heroes of liberation.
According to him, their bold actions have not only transformed Kenya’s political landscape but also inspired young people across the world to take charge of their countries’ leadership.
“Our young people are still very angry, but they have become a source of inspiration globally. University students in Bangladesh took a stand and managed to remove Sheikh Hasina.
Even in Sweden, students were asking me how our Gen Zs pulled it off,” Kalonzo added.
Several leaders who attended the event supported his sentiments, including former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana. Kibwana commended the young protesters for their sacrifices and called on Kenyan leaders to follow their example by putting the interests of the nation above personal ambitions.
A report by Amnesty International, alongside several human rights organizations, revealed that 61 people were killed during the anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.
The report, which was based on extensive investigations and eyewitness accounts, stated that six of the victims were killed on June 25 alone, while at least 72 others were abducted or are still missing.
The protests were met with a violent police crackdown, with security forces using excessive force against demonstrators.
It has now been over six months since thousands of Kenyans flooded the streets to oppose the Finance Bill 2024.
The June 25 protests became a historic moment, as it was the first time in Kenya’s history that protesters managed to access Parliament, exercising their constitutional right to demonstrate in a bold and unprecedented way.
Join Gen Z official Whatsapp Channel To Stay Updated On time the ongoing situation https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
