Families who lost relatives during the 2024 and 2025 anti-government demonstrations have announced plans to hold a peaceful march to the State House on Monday, December 22, 2025. The families say the procession is intended to seek an audience with President William Ruto over what they describe as prolonged delays in justice, accountability, and compensation for victims of police violence.
Families of Protest Victims Announce Peaceful March to State House Seeking Justice
In a formal notice submitted to the police, the families stated that the march will begin at Jeevanjee Gardens in Nairobi at 9:00 am before proceeding towards State House. They emphasized that the gathering will be peaceful and aimed at petitioning the Head of State directly on behalf of those affected by the protests.
The planned march brings together parents, siblings, and relatives of young people who were killed during the demonstrations. According to the families, many of the cases remain unresolved more than a year later. They cite the death of Rex Masai as one example, noting that as of December 18, 2025, a total of 547 days have passed without any police officer being held accountable.
Kelvin Simba, the brother of protest victim Mike Brian Kasaine, pointed to findings by the Independent Medico Legal Unit. He said the data shows that three out of every five extrajudicial killings recorded during the protest period involved gunshot wounds from behind. According to the families, this suggests that many victims were fleeing and unarmed at the time they were shot.
The families also raised concerns about delayed compensation and reparations. They referred to a presidential proclamation issued on August 8, 2025, which established a framework for reparations for victims of police violence dating back to 2017. Despite this announcement, they say many bereaved families are yet to receive support or clear communication on implementation.
In their notice, the families said they intend to use the march to request a direct meeting with the President. They argue that while the Head of State has met several delegations and allocated resources to other causes, families affected by protest related deaths and injuries continue to feel sidelined.
Part of the notice appealed to the President to consider the emotional toll on families, particularly during the festive season. The families said they are facing Christmas without loved ones and are also marching in solidarity with survivors who were left paralysed or permanently disabled during the protests.
The families further reminded police authorities of Article 37 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to assemble, demonstrate, and petition public authorities peacefully and unarmed. They stated that participants will carry only flowers and the national flag and requested a police escort to ensure safety and public order during the procession.
They stressed that the march is not a protest but a plea for justice and accountability. The families expressed hope that police officers will facilitate the procession without harassment, assault, or arrests, allowing grieving parents and siblings to present their petition peacefully.
