Opposition leaders demand justice for slain protesters on Mashujaa Day

Opposition leaders demand justice for slain protesters on Mashujaa Day

This year's celebrations, co-hosted by Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet and Nandi counties, are being held under the theme “Security, Sports and the Finance Sector (The Economy).”

Opposition leaders, led by People's Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua, have honoured fallen protesters, environmental champions and community workers on Mashujaa Day, calling for justice, accountability and greater recognition of Kenyans whose courage and sacrifice continue to shape the country.

In her message, Karua said heroism goes beyond the figures celebrated in history books, highlighting ordinary Kenyans whose courage, service and compassion continue to make a difference in society.

She paid tribute to Rex Masai, who died during the June 2024 protests, Evans Kiratu and other young people killed during demonstrations.

“They were sons and daughters, friends and siblings, young people with dreams of their own and hopes for the country they wanted to inherit,” Karua said.

She said the protesters believed Kenya could be better and called for justice for their families.

“We owe their families truth, accountability and justice. And we owe the generation they belonged to a country where their courage was not in vain," she said.

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Karua also recognised environmental activist Ikal Angelei for drawing international attention to threats facing communities and livelihoods connected to Lake Turkana. She said her work highlighted the need to involve communities in decisions affecting their future.

She also praised Vincent Kaluma, popularly known as Kaluma Boy, for caring for his father after a debilitating stroke, saying his dedication reflected the sacrifices families make while supporting loved ones.

Karua also recognised Patricia Kombo, whose PaTree Initiative promotes tree planting and environmental conservation, and Margaret Odera, a community health worker and mentor mother who has used her experience of living with HIV to support other women and advocate for better recognition of community health workers.

She urged Kenyans to recognise teachers, farmers, public servants, parents, volunteers and others who serve their communities.

“But a nation is not built by celebrated individuals alone. It is built every day by ordinary people who choose to do what is right, to care for others and to leave their communities better than they found them,” she said.

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka also remembered young people who took part in the June 25, 2024 protests and the families whose children never returned home.

“Today, we remember the young people who walked out on June 25, 2024, with nothing but a Kenyan flag, a bottle of water and a phone in their hands. We remember the parents whose children never came home, simply because they stood up for what the Constitution promised them," he said.

"Their courage, sacrifice and love for this nation will never be forgotten... They are, and will forever remain, our heroes. Happy Mashujaa Day, Kenya," Kalonzo said.

The Linda Mwananchi party, associated with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, also honoured young Kenyans who died while demanding justice and accountability.

“We remember Rex Masai, Albert Ojwang, David Chege, Eric Shieni, Caroline Shiramba, Denzel Omondi, and the many other young Kenyans whose lives were cut short amid protests against injustice and police brutality. They may be gone, but their courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Their dreams for a better Kenya must live on through us. Rest in Power, our fallen heroes," the party said.

Meanwhile, Ukweli Party leader and 2027 presidential aspirant Boniface Mwangi said Kenya had little to celebrate, accusing the government of failing to uphold the freedom and justice sought by independence heroes.

He urged Kenyans to reflect on the country's unfinished struggle for freedom, questioning poverty, unequal land ownership and the protection of constitutional rights.

“As we mark, not celebrate Mashujaa Day, because there is nothing worth celebrating, let us not forget the Kenya our forefathers fought for, bled for, were jailed for, and many died for,” Mwangi said.

“It was for land and freedom, yet the majority still have no land, and freedom of speech exists only in theory,” he said.

Mwangi also accused state agencies of targeting people for their online views. “A simple social media post can get you abducted by the state and murdered,” he said.

His remarks came amid concerns over enforced disappearances and abductions. In August 2026, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights raised alarm over 46 reported cases of enforced disappearance, calling for an end to abductions and secret detention.

Mwangi also questioned whether independence had delivered the education, healthcare and economic opportunities envisioned by freedom fighters.

“Our grandparents fought for a Kenya where we govern ourselves, so that every person would have access to good schools and healthcare. It was so that we could enjoy the fruits of our land and better wages," he said.

His statement came as President William Ruto led the national Mashujaa Day celebrations at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret, marking the country's 63rd national heroes' celebration.

This year's celebrations, co-hosted by Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet and Nandi counties, are being held under the theme “Security, Sports and the Finance Sector (The Economy).”