NAIROBI, Kenya — Amid the chaos and heartbreak of Wednesday’s Gen Z-led protests marking the first anniversary of the deadly 2024 demonstrations, a moment of unexpected joy unfolded on the streets of Nairobi — the emotional reunion of two Kenyan brothers after more than two years apart.
The two young men, both part of the wave of youth protesters demanding accountability and an end to corruption, were captured in a now-viral video pausing to embrace and catch up during the heated demonstrations in the capital.
What made their reunion all the more powerful was the context: they found each other not at a family gathering, but on the frontlines of a national movement — unified in purpose, and standing for a better Kenya.
“Stay safe brother,” one brother is heard telling the other, holding him close before they part ways again in the crowd.
Two years without meeting with your blood brother and then you bump into each in the streets protesting! Typical Kenyan story !
The June 25 protests commemorated the lives of over 60 people killed during last year’s anti-Finance Bill protests, many of whom were young and unarmed.
While the anniversary protests began peacefully across over 23 counties, they quickly descended into chaos.
In Nairobi and other major towns, police clashed with demonstrators, deploying tear gas, water cannons laced with skunk, rubber bullets — and in some cases, live rounds.
According to Amnesty International and human rights monitors, at least 16 protesters were killed during the June 25 anniversary protests, with over 400 others injured.
Eighty-three people remain in critical condition, while more than 60 were arrested countrywide.
But even in the face of violence, the brothers’ reunion struck a chord online — a symbol of unity, resilience, and the deeply personal stakes driving Kenya’s youth-led movement.
Wednesday’s protests, largely led by young people under 30, were held to honour over 60 demonstrators killed last year and to call for justice for dozens more still missing.
The Gen Z movement, born out of social media and disillusionment, has evolved into a national voice for accountability and reform.
