ODM secretary general Edwin Sifuna has urged Kenyans to turn out in large numbers and fearlessly commemorate the first anniversary of the June 25, 2024 protests, which erupted over the Finance Bill and ended in a deadly police crackdown.

In a statement on Monday, Sifuna reaffirmed ODM’s support for peaceful civic action and encouraged those planning to take part in Wednesday’s commemorative protests to boldly exercise their right to protest.

“We urge all those who will turn out to commemorate the anniversary this Wednesday to fearlessly stand on the side of freedom and democracy, and the right to protest as enshrined in the constitution,” he said.

The protests, famously dubbed “Occupy Parliament,” were largely driven by Gen Z demonstrators and turned chaotic when protesters stormed Parliament, prompting a violent police response.

Official records confirmed at least 42 deaths, but rights groups, including the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights and Amnesty International, reported 61 fatalities. Their report also documented dozens of injuries, 67 cases of enforced disappearance, and over 1,200 arrests, fuelling calls for police accountability.

Sifuna also called for unity among demonstrators. “As we draw close to the anniversary of the Gen Z protests, we urge Kenyans of goodwill to uphold national unity and ignore those who seek to divide us.”

The June 25 memorial is expected to draw families of victims, civil society organisations, political leaders, and members of the public who wish to honour those who died while exercising their democratic rights.

It also comes at a time when public anger remains high following the recent death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang’ in police custody and the fatal shooting of a face mask vendor, Boniface Kariuki, during protests.

Nairobi Regional Police Commander George Seda has said officers will provide adequate security during Wednesday’s commemorations and guard against infiltration by criminals.

“What I would like to urge the public is, let’s restrict ourselves to what we call peaceful demonstrations,” Seda said on June 18. “Let’s not have demonstrations that are going to interfere with other people who may not be part of the demonstrators.”

The anniversary is being closely watched both locally and internationally, as the country continues to grapple with deep questions about police conduct, accountability, and the right to dissent.