Kalonzo Musyoka Joins Gen Z-Led Protest at Holy Family Basilica in Nairobi

The precincts of Nairobi’s Holy Family Basilica became a powerful symbol of unity and resistance as Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka joined hundreds of Gen Z protesters in a solemn march to commemorate the first anniversary of the 2024 anti-Finance Bill uprising. Draped in a Kenyan flag and carrying white roses, Musyoka, accompanied by fellow opposition leaders Eugene Wamalwa, Robert Mbui, and lawyer Ndegwa Njiru, walked alongside young demonstrators, turning the cathedral grounds into a vibrant space of national reckoning. The protest, part of a nationwide movement, honored the over 60 young Kenyans who lost their lives during last year’s demonstrations while renewing calls for justice, economic reform, and an end to police brutality.

The 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests, sparked by proposed tax hikes on essentials like bread and sanitary products, marked a seismic shift in Kenya’s political landscape. Young Kenyans, galvanized by social media under hashtags like #RejectFinanceBill2024, took to the streets in a leaderless, organic movement that culminated in the storming of Parliament on June 25, 2024. The violent response from security forces, which left dozens dead and hundreds injured, fueled public outrage and forced President William Ruto to withdraw the contentious bill. One year later, the Gen Z-led “Memorial March” at Holy Family Basilica served as both a tribute to the fallen and a bold statement of defiance against systemic failures.

Musyoka’s presence at the basilica was a deliberate act of solidarity with Kenya’s youth, who have reshaped the nation’s political discourse. Addressing the crowd near the cathedral’s steps, he described the day as a turning point in Kenya’s history. “Today stands out as one of the most significant days since our independence,” he said, his voice resonating with conviction. “Even if we are denied access to Parliament to lay wreaths, the lives lost will be honored with dignity in the years to come. Kenyans must remain resolute.” His words, met with cheers from the young protesters, underscored his push to recognize June 25 as “Gen Z Revolution Day,” a proposed national holiday to celebrate the courage of the youth.

The choice of Holy Family Basilica as a focal point for the protest carried deep symbolic weight. The cathedral, a prominent Catholic landmark in Nairobi, has been a contested space during the protests. In 2024, some Gen Z activists accused the basilica of barring demonstrators seeking refuge from police tear gas, a claim that sparked the #OccupyChurch movement. Archbishop Philip Anyolo later clarified that the church’s gates were closed to protect students at the adjacent school, emphasizing solidarity with the protesters. On June 25, 2025, the basilica opened its doors, hosting a memorial mass attended by youth, faith leaders, and opposition figures, signaling a reconciliation of sorts. “The church is a sanctuary for all,” Anyolo said during the service. “We stand with the youth in their quest for justice and a better Kenya.”

Musyoka’s participation was not without controversy. Some Gen Z activists, wary of political co-optation, expressed mixed feelings about opposition leaders joining their movement. The 2024 protests were notable for their independence, with young Kenyans rejecting traditional political figures like Musyoka and Raila Odinga, who faced backlash for aligning with Ruto’s government. “We welcome anyone who supports our cause, but this is our fight,” said Mercy Wambui, a 23-year-old protester draped in a Kenyan flag. “Politicians must respect that we don’t need them to lead us. We’re here for justice, not politics.” Wambui’s sentiment reflected the movement’s decentralized ethos, driven by social media platforms like X, where hashtags such as #GenZMemorial and #JusticeFor2024 trended heavily.

The protest at the basilica unfolded peacefully, with demonstrators distributing roses and lighting candles to honor the fallen. The mood was somber yet defiant, with chants of “Stop killing us” and “Justice for all” echoing through the crowd. Musyoka and his delegation joined a procession from the cathedral to the edge of the Central Business District, where police had erected barriers to prevent marchers from reaching Parliament. “A barricaded city shows the government’s fear,” Musyoka remarked, gesturing toward the heavily guarded streets. “This is a clear sign that President Ruto knows the power of the people. The consequences of this repression must fall on him.” His words drew applause, but also highlighted the ongoing tension between protesters and security forces.

The government’s response to the protests has been a point of contention. President Ruto, who labeled the 2024 demonstrations “treasonous,” has promised dialogue but maintained a hardline stance against street protests, citing economic disruptions. On June 24, Inspector General Douglas Kanja reiterated the police’s commitment to protecting peaceful demonstrators but warned against breaches of public order. “We will ensure safety, but we cannot tolerate chaos,” he said. Human rights groups, however, have criticized the police for their history of excessive force, pointing to the deaths of protesters like Evans Kiratu, allegedly killed by a tear gas canister, and blogger Albert Ojwang, who died in custody under suspicious circumstances in June 2025.

The Gen Z movement’s demands remain clear: justice for the 2024 victims, accountability for police brutality, and economic reforms to address unemployment and the high cost of living. “We’re not just mourning; we’re fighting for a future where no one dies for demanding their rights,” said Brian Otieno, a 24-year-old organizer in Nairobi. “The government must investigate every death and compensate the families. We won’t stop until that happens.” Otieno’s resolve mirrors the broader sentiment among Kenya’s youth, who make up over 60 percent of the population and face unemployment rates near 20 percent. The 2024 Finance Bill, with its punitive taxes, was seen as a direct attack on their livelihoods, and the anniversary protests signal that their anger has not subsided.

The basilica protest also drew support from religious and civil society leaders. During the memorial mass, Canon Chris Kinyanjui of the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) called for an end to impunity. “The blood of the young must not be shed in vain,” he said. “The church must be the conscience of the nation, standing with those who seek justice.” His remarks addressed criticisms that religious institutions have been too cozy with the political elite, a sentiment that fueled the #OccupyChurch campaign in 2024. The presence of faith leaders alongside Gen Z protesters at the basilica marked a shift, with the church seeking to reclaim its role as a moral voice.

International attention has focused on Kenya’s protests, with foreign missions urging restraint. A statement from the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada emphasized the importance of upholding the right to assemble. “Kenya’s democratic traditions depend on free expression,” the statement read. Amnesty International Kenya has called for a UN-led investigation into the 2024 deaths, citing evidence of abductions and extrajudicial killings. The global spotlight has added pressure on Ruto’s administration, which faces a delicate balancing act between maintaining order and addressing public grievances.

Musyoka’s involvement has also reignited debates about the opposition’s role in the Gen Z movement. His call for June 25 to be recognized as a national holiday has gained traction among some activists but raised suspicions among others who fear political opportunism. “Kalonzo is welcome to march with us, but this isn’t about Wiper or any party,” said Aisha Mohamed, a 21-year-old protester. “We’re here for the people, not for politicians to gain points.” Musyoka, aware of these concerns, emphasized that his participation was not about personal gain. “This is about honoring the sacrifice of our youth,” he said. “Their blood must not be in vain.”

As the protest concluded, the crowd gathered for a candlelight vigil, their flames illuminating the basilica’s grounds. The scene was a poignant reminder of the stakes involved: a generation demanding a Kenya that works for all, not just the elite. For Musyoka and the opposition, the day was a chance to align with a movement that has redefined political engagement. For Gen Z, it was a reaffirmation of their power to shape the nation’s future. As the candles burned, the protesters’ resolve remained unbroken, their voices a clarion call for justice in a nation at a crossroads.