NAIROBI, Kenya — Siaya Governor James Orengo on Thursday made a dramatic appearance at the Gen Z memorial protests in Nairobi after he was spotted riding pillion on a motorbike through the Central Business District (CBD) while waving a large Kenyan flag.
The veteran opposition politician joined hundreds of protesters who gathered in the capital to commemorate victims of the June 25, 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations, which left dozens dead and marked a turning point in Kenya’s political landscape.
Videos circulating widely on social media showed Orengo navigating the city streets alongside dozens of motorcyclists as demonstrators converged on various locations within the CBD amid heightened security deployment.
His appearance quickly attracted attention online, with many protesters cheering as the Siaya governor joined the commemorative activities.
The demonstrations are being held across several towns to honour those who lost their lives, sustained injuries or disappeared during last year’s protests against the Finance Bill 2024.
Orengo has consistently called for accountability over the deaths and injuries linked to the demonstrations and has remained one of the most vocal opposition leaders supporting demands for justice from victims’ families.
The governor’s participation came as other opposition leaders, including Kalonzo Musyoka and Martha Karua, joined hundreds of Kenyans in Nairobi to mark the anniversary.
The leaders gathered near Parliament Buildings, where they laid wreaths in honour of those who died during the 2024 protests that culminated in demonstrators breaching sections of Parliament as lawmakers debated the controversial Finance Bill.
Addressing protesters after the memorial ceremony, Kalonzo urged participants to maintain peace and discipline throughout the commemorations.
“We are very peaceful,” he said, while calling on demonstrators to continue exercising their constitutional rights responsibly.
The opposition leaders described June 25 as a significant day in Kenya’s democratic history and urged the country not to forget those who paid the ultimate price during last year’s demonstrations.
Their appearance came amid an unprecedented security operation across Nairobi, with police mounting roadblocks and erecting barricades on major roads leading into the CBD, Parliament and other key government installations.
The restrictions disrupted transport services and forced thousands of commuters to walk long distances after public service vehicles were prevented from accessing parts of the city centre.
Kalonzo criticised the extensive security measures, arguing that the road closures had significantly affected normal activities and limited access to the city.
Despite the heavy police presence, protesters continued gathering in various parts of Nairobi, carrying Kenyan flags, flowers and placards as they commemorated the victims of the 2024 Gen Z-led demonstrations.
As the anniversary events unfolded, organisers maintained that the protests were intended as peaceful memorial processions aimed at honouring those who lost their lives while renewing calls for accountability, justice, and governance reforms.