Families of protest victims plan march to State House on Monday
Young men chant anti-government slogans as they carry the coffin of Boniface Kariuki, a street hawker who died from gunshot wounds days after being shot by Kenyan police on July 11, 2025. (Photo by Luis TATO / AFP)
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In a formal notice to police, the families said the peaceful procession will begin at Jeevanjee Gardens at 9:00 am before heading to State House.
Kelvin Simba, a brother of Mike Brian Kasaine, who was a protest victim says that the findings by the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU) show that three out of every five extrajudicial killings recorded during the period involved shots fired from behind, indicating victims were fleeing and unarmed.
As of December 18, 2025, 547 days after Rex Masai’s death, the families say no police officer has been held accountable.
The families also say the government has delayed justice and compensation disbursement, despite a presidential proclamation issued on August 8, 2025, which established a framework for reparations to victims of police violence dating back to 2017.
The families say they intend to use the day to seek a direct meeting with the President. It is their argument that while the Head of State has met multiple delegations and allocated resources to other causes, bereaved families continue to be ignored.
"We ask that he finally hear the cries of families facing a Christmas without the laughter of their loved ones. We also march in solidarity with the many survivors left paralysed or permanently disabled," part of the notice read.
"In the spirit of Christmas, we seek a peaceful audience with the President to discuss justice and support for these families.”
The families have also asked the officers to respect Article 37 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to assemble, demonstrate, and petition public authorities peacefully and unarmed.
"Please note that this is a peaceful assembly; participants will carry only flowers and the national flag. We formally request a police escort to ensure the safety of all attendees and to maintain public order during the procession," the notice read.
"This is not a protest but a plea for justice, and we trust that the police will not harass, assault, or arrest grieving parents and siblings seeking to meet the President."
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