Some of the youths during the Gen Z protests in June 2024/FILEThe protests, sparked by widespread discontent with the proposed tax hikes and economic measures, saw numerous clashes between demonstrators and police forces in June 2024.
The protests against the Finance Bill 2024 in Kenya resulted in significant unrest and tragic losses.
Among those who died during the protest are Rex Kanyike Masai, Abdi Kadir, Evans Kiratu, Eric Shieni, David Chege, Beasley Kamau, Ibrahim Kamau, and Kennedy Onyango.
Rex Kanyike Masai was shot and killed during the protests in Nairobi on June 20. His death marked one of the earliest and most shocking incidents in the series of demonstrations against the Finance Bill.
Kanyike's untimely demise became a rallying point for many protesters.
Abdi Kadir, who was shot during the first protests in June 2024, died in the hospital on July 16. The 24-year-old was buried on July 17.
Evans Kiratu died on Thursday after being hit by a tear gas canister. The use of tear gas has been a common tactic by police to disperse crowds, but in this case, it resulted in a fatality.
Eric Shieni, a university student who was set to graduate in September, was living in South B with his brother. He died outside Parliament during the protests.
His passing left his family and friends devastated and added fuel to the protesters' resolve.
David Chege, a graduate of JKUAT with a degree in Computer Science, was a freelance IT professional.
He also died outside parliament during protests.
His aspirations and potential contributions to the IT industry were abruptly cut short by the tragic events of that day.
Beasley Kamau went missing after he participated in the protests. Reports began circulating on Wednesday, June 26, that he was found dead at the City Mortuary.
His disappearance and subsequent discovery in the mortuary intensified the public's outcry against the government's handling of the protests.
Nineteen-year-old Ibrahim Kamau was among the thousands of protesters who stormed parliament, urging legislators to vote against a finance bill that would raise taxes. Tragically, his life was cut short by two gunshot wounds to the neck.
Kamau had just finished high school and planned to study electrical work.
Twelve-year-old Kennedy Onyango was tragically killed during anti-tax protests in Rongai.
According to his family, Kennedy left the house that day to pick up a book he was sharing with a neighbor. He was reportedly shot eight times as the protests turned violent, filled with gunfire and looting.
In the wake of these tragic losses, there have been increasing calls for justice and police accountability.
Human rights organisations, civil society groups, and international observers condemned the violence and called for thorough investigations into each death.
The public demanded that those responsible be held accountable and that measures be put in place to prevent further loss of life.
