MOMBASA, Kenya – Mombasa on Wednesday became one of the first cities to witness full-blown participation in the anticipated Gen Z-led protests marking the first anniversary of last year’s deadly anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.
The day began with solemn prayers at the ACK Memorial Church, where protesters gathered to honour the memory of those who lost their lives in 2024 during a wave of youth-led demonstrations.
After the prayers, the demonstrators converged at Mapembeni on Moi Avenue—a historic site for public mobilisations—before proceeding to march peacefully through the city.
Chanting slogans such as “A people united can never be defeated,” the demonstrators, many waving placards and donning black attire, were escorted by police officers in a coordinated security operation aimed at maintaining order.
Organisers of the protest said the march was part of a nationwide day of remembrance and accountability.
They demanded justice for the 63 people reportedly killed during last year’s anti-Finance Bill protests, claiming that the government had failed to take any tangible steps to hold perpetrators accountable.
“We want justice for all 63 who were killed. We have not seen any commitment from the authorities. Those who killed our young people have not been arrested,” said activist Mathias Shipeta. “Today is not just a protest—it’s a national day of mourning for everyone who died fighting for a better future.”
Despite the charged emotions, the protests in Mombasa remained peaceful, with no major incidents reported.
The presence of security officers, many of whom walked alongside the demonstrators, was seen as a sign of cooperation between the protesters and law enforcement.
The Mombasa demonstration stood in contrast to relatively quiet scenes in other cities across the country, although Nairobi also saw heightened security and restricted access to key government sites, including Parliament and State House.
Wednesday’s events are part of a broader Gen Z movement that has increasingly taken centre stage in Kenya’s political landscape, demanding government accountability, economic reforms, and protection of civil liberties.
The day’s events in Mombasa highlight the ongoing frustration among Kenya’s youth over unresolved cases of police brutality, and the growing call for justice, transparency, and reform from a generation refusing to be silenced.
