Siaya Governor James Orengo on a motorbike during the Gen Z anniversary protests in Nairobi on June 25, 2026. / COURTESY
Siaya Governor James Orengo has hailed Kenyans who marked the anniversary of the Gen Z protests, saying the fight for justice and accountability remains alive despite what he described as attempts to intimidate citizens.
In a statement posted on his X account on Thursday, Orengo said he joined Kenyans in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu and other parts of the country to commemorate the historic protests that shook the nation in June 2024.
The governor paid tribute to those who took part in the anniversary activities as well as citizens who chose to observe the day from their homes.
"Today, I stood with courageous Kenyans in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and across the nation to mark the historic Gen Z protests' anniversary. I salute every patriot who took to the streets and every citizen who honoured this day from home," Orengo said.
Siaya Governor James Orengo on a motorbike during the Gen Z anniversary protests in Nairobi on June 25, 2026. / COURTESY
"The mask has completely fallen. It is now undeniably evident that the goons unleashed to harass peaceful citizens were state-sponsored, operating under police escort. But intimidation cannot silence a nation," he said.
Orengo said that despite what he termed resistance from the state, participants in the commemoration proceeded to Parliament, where they laid a wreath in honour of those who died during the June 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.
"Despite the state's desperate resistance, we marched to Parliament and laid a wreath in honour of our fallen heroes who died during the June 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations," he said.
The governor described the young people who lost their lives during the protests as heroes whose sacrifice continues to inspire the push for a better Kenya.
"They tried to bury our youth; they forgot they were seeds. The struggle for a just Kenya continues!" Orengo said.
His remarks came as Kenyans across the country marked the anniversary of the Gen Z-led protests that became a defining moment in the country's recent political history.
