TO OUR HEROES: YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

Kevin Ochieng’ Onyango, a passionate young man from Alego‑Usonga, was shot dead by police in Siaya County during the peaceful, nationwide anti-government protests of June 2024. His funeral in Alego‑Usonga drew strong calls—especially from Siaya Governor James Orengo—for justice and accountability over what he termed the growing trend of state-sanctioned killings. Kevin’s death has become emblematic of the urgent demand to end the brutal repression of citizens exercising their democratic rights.

Emmanuel Giggs Tata, 20, was a second-year Science Laboratory Technology student at Meru National Polytechnic. On June 25, 2024, while waiting with friends at Mombasa’s Mwembe Tayari bus terminus, he inhaled a heavy dose of tear gas fired by police during anti-Finance Bill protests. He collapsed and was rushed to Al Farouq Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Although Emperor was not participating directly in the protest—he was simply heading home—his death has become a symbol of the brutal tactics used against unarmed youth. His family and rights groups are calling for accountability and compensation.

Andrew Kelvin Mwawasi was shot twice at close range by police on June 25, 2024, in Githurai while heading home from work. Teargas fired during anti-government protests triggered an asthma attack, leaving him struggling to breathe. As he tried to get to safety, officers opened fire. His brother, Mwadime Mzungu, recalled that Andrew had only stepped out to bring the family lunch. He was buried in Lang’ata with his coffin draped in the Kenyan flag, a quiet but powerful symbol of a life lost to police brutality.

Kelvin Madanga Kagoni, 22, was shot three times during the #RejectFinanceBill2024 protests in Nakuru. He was admitted to the ICU, where he fought for his life for three days before succumbing to his injuries. Living with his mother in the Ngata area, Kelvin was described as a quiet, determined young man. His death, widely condemned as a senseless killing, underscored the deadly force used against peaceful demonstrators demanding change.

Anthony Macharia Mwangi, a 17‑year‑old Form Four student, was fatally shot during anti-government demonstrations in Isebania, Migori County. His mother, Miriam Ikwabe, said he was preparing to return to school when police opened fire, killing him instantly.

Alex Muteti was shot in the head and killed by police on June 29, 2024, amid protests in Kibwezi. His family and civic leaders have since called for prosecutions, painting his death as emblematic of state violence against unarmed citizens

Duncun Onsongo, a 23‑year‑old fruit vendor from Mlolongo, Machakos County, vanished during protests on July 2, 2024. His body was later identified at Nairobi’s City Mortuary, with signs suggesting severe trauma, including burns—likely from a teargas canister explosion.

Denzel Omondi, a third‑year Quantity Surveying student at JKUAT, disappeared on June 27, 2024, after taking part in the Nairobi protests. His body was found drowned in a quarry near Juja on July 6. Tributes remembered him as a thoughtful and committed student whose death underscored the brutal repression of peaceful demonstrators

Braxton Omae Mogesi, 23, was abducted from his family’s home in Jogoo Estate, Kisii, on July 3, 2024, by unknown assailants suspected to be part of a group targeting Gen Z protesters. Days later, his body was discovered in Nyahera, Homa Bay County—miles from where he was taken. His mother, Isabela Mogesi, recounted how armed men stormed their home and unleashed terror on her children. Braxton’s killing has drawn national condemnation, symbolizing the brutal lengths used to silence dissent.

John Musili Mulwa, 26, was shot dead on June 27, 2024, at the Mukuru pipeline protests in Nairobi. He was known among local youth for his community engagement and his death has fueled ongoing demands for accountability

Abdikadir Saadia was shot and killed by police on June 26, 2024, while peacefully protesting the Finance Bill. A young activist in Nairobi, her death further ignited public outrage over the targeting of Gen‑Z demonstrators

Shaquille Rumsfeld Obienge, 21, was shot and killed by police on June 26, 2024, during anti-government protests in Kitengela, Kajiado County. A charismatic and hardworking youth from Kisumu County, he was buried in Obede village. His family described him as “hard‑working and charismatic,” and his death has become a rallying cry for justice

Kennedy Onyango was only 12 years old when he was fatally shot—reportedly eight times in the back—in Rongai during a crackdown on demonstrators. He was not a protester but was caught in the chaos while returning from errands for his mother. His killing shocked the nation and symbolized the indiscriminate violence of the crackdown. Kennedy’s family and child rights groups have called for justice and sweeping police reforms.

Wilson Wekesa Sitati, 22, was killed on June 25, 2024—his birthday—during anti-tax protests in Nairobi. A scholarship student pursuing electrical engineering at Olympic Technical Institute, Wilson had gone to the city to collect a food parcel. He never returned. His body was later found at the City Mortuary, with an autopsy revealing blunt force trauma to the chest and neck. Remembered as bright and determined, Wilson’s death has become a painful symbol of the lives lost in Kenya’s push for justice.

Kenneth Njiru Mwangi died from blunt force trauma sustained during police beatings on June 25. He had gone to the protests to express dissatisfaction with the rising cost of living. A boda boda rider and father of two, Kenneth was a well-liked figure in his local community in Nairobi. His family says he was not violent and simply wanted to stand up for what was right.

Earnest Kanyi was one of the protestors gunned down near Parliament on June 25, 2024. Passionate about public policy and a recent university graduate, he had been pushing for youth inclusion in national decisions. Friends say he was a strategist and a thinker, always reading and engaging in national discourse. His death became a stark example of how educated youth were being silenced by violent repression.

Kelvin Odhiambo Maina was killed during the June 25 unrest in Nairobi. A creative artist and part-time student, Kelvin was known for his spoken word performances and participation in community outreach events. He had gone to support the protest for a better future and ended up losing his life to police bullets. His story has since inspired art pieces and memorial tributes.

Erickson Kyalo Mutisya died from gunshot wounds during the June 25 protests near Parliament. A young man from Machakos, he was actively involved in mobilizing youth against economic exploitation. Those who knew him described him as fearless and articulate. His killing was widely condemned by rights groups, who named him among victims of unjustified police use of live rounds against unarmed civilians.

David Chege, a recent graduate of JKUAT, was fatally shot during the June 25 protests while marching alongside other demonstrators near Parliament. Known for his love of engineering and mentorship of high school students, David was committed to peaceful civic activism. He had just begun applying for jobs when his life was taken. His family remembers him as generous, smart, and determined to make a difference for Kenya’s youth.

Beasley Kamau (Kogi) went missing during the height of the protests on June 26, 2024. His body was later found under suspicious circumstances, showing signs of torture. A digital activist and informal worker in Nairobi’s Central Business District, Beasley was a regular in online spaces advocating for transparency and anti-corruption. His unexplained death added to the fears of enforced disappearances targeting vocal protestors.

Ibrahim Kamau Wanjiru, just 19 years old, was shot twice in the neck while participating in demonstrations on June 25, 2024. He was unarmed and reportedly attempting to flee when he was gunned down. A recent secondary school graduate and aspiring medic, Ibrahim’s death sparked mourning across online spaces and youth groups. Friends say he believed in change and had just begun to volunteer for a health outreach program in his community.

Eric Kayoni Shieni, a student at the University of Nairobi, was killed on June 25, 2024, as police opened fire on protestors near Parliament. Shot in the head, Eric died instantly, triggering national mourning. A bright and hardworking youth, he had been actively involved in the movement for economic justice. His fellow students and lecturers described him as a beacon of hope, whose promising future was cut short by state brutality.

Evans Kiratu died on June 20, 2024, after being hit in the chest by a tear gas canister during protests in Nairobi. He had been participating in the demonstrations peacefully when police began firing tear gas to disperse crowds. Witnesses say the canister struck him at close range, causing fatal internal injuries. Friends remember Evans as soft-spoken and passionate about justice. His death became a chilling symbol of excessive force used during crowd control.

Albert Omondi Ojwang, 31, died under suspicious circumstances while in police custody on June 8, 2025, days after being arrested for allegedly posting critical comments about a senior police officer. A teacher by profession, social commentator, and young father, Albert was known for his outspoken views on governance and justice. He was detained in Nairobi’s Central Police Station, far from his home in Homa Bay County, after his arrest drew national attention. Authorities initially claimed he died by hitting his head against a cell wall, but an autopsy later revealed injuries consistent with torture. His death has warranted widespread outrage, protests, and calls for accountability. Remembered as a courageous and thoughtful voice for the people, Albert’s tragic death has become a symbol of the fight against police brutality and repression in Kenya.

Rex Masai, 29, was tragically shot during anti-government protests in Nairobi on June 20, 2024. The peaceful demonstrations escalated into chaos when police used excessive force, leading to Rex being hit by a bullet in his left thigh. Despite his friend’s attempt to rush him to the hospital, he did not survive. Rex, who worked at a casino after struggling to find a job as an architect, was described as a disciplined, caring young man, deeply missed by his family.