Political activist and ODM youth league leader Kasmuel McOure has reaffirmed his unwavering support for Kenyan youth as they prepare to mark the first anniversary of the deadly Gen Z-led protests against the 2024 Finance Bill. In a powerful message from the United States, where he is currently attending the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Kasmuel expressed deep solidarity with the youth movement that shook the country last year.
“Though I am thousands of kilometres away, I stand in solidarity with you,” Kasmuel stated, recalling the events of June 2024 as the most significant protest he has ever participated in. The protests, which erupted in response to the controversial Finance Bill, were marked by widespread demonstrations against punitive taxation and economic injustice. Despite their peaceful intentions, the protests were met with brutal force from security forces, resulting in the deaths and injuries of dozens of young Kenyans.
“A year later, I still sing this anthem, the same one we sang together in the streets,” Kasmuel said, as he remembered those who paid the ultimate price. He condoled with the families of victims, calling their loss “a wound that will never fully heal.”
Lobby groups estimate that over 61 protesters were killed during the weeks-long demonstrations, while official government records place the death toll at 42. The violence shocked the nation and sparked international concern over the use of excessive force by Kenyan authorities.
Kasmuel praised the youth for their courage and resilience, emphasizing that the movement achieved its objectives despite the heavy cost. “We achieved all we set out to do peacefully, but the police responded with brutal force and claimed many of our own,” he said.
As the country braces for renewed demonstrations on June 25, Kasmuel’s message serves as both a rallying cry and a reminder of the sacrifices made. “To Kenya, our motherland, we shall surely liberate you,” he concluded, urging the youth to continue pushing for justice and accountability.
The upcoming protests aim not only to commemorate the fallen but to reignite the fight for a fairer, more equitable Kenya.
