Families of 2024–2025 Protest Victims Dispersed by Police in Dramatic State House March Over Delayed Justice and Stalled Reparations

Families of youths killed during the 2024–2025 anti-government protests were forced to disperse on Monday. General Service Unit (GSU) officers deployed teargas at the Nyerere Road and Mamlaka Road junction. The march was meant to reach the State House. The goal was to demand justice and accountability from President William Ruto’s administration.

The procession began early at Jeevanjee Gardens. Participants carried flowers and the national flag to show it was peaceful. Organizers had formally notified authorities. They cited Article 37 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to assemble, demonstrate, and petition public officials without violence. Anti-riot police were present from the start, closely monitoring the march.

As the demonstrators moved along Procession Way, GSU officers blocked the route. Attempts to continue were met with more officers and teargas. The protesters were forced to disperse. Organizers stressed this was not a protest but a plea for justice. They asked police to respect their constitutional right to peaceful assembly.

Families said that, as of December 18, 2025—547 days after Rex Masai’s death—no police officer has been held accountable. They criticized the government for delaying justice and compensation. This is despite a presidential proclamation on August 8, 2025, establishing a framework for reparations for victims of police violence dating back to 2017.

The organizers emphasized the march was peaceful. “Participants will carry only flowers and the national flag. We formally request a police escort to ensure safety and maintain order,” the notice read. Families said they trusted the police not to harass, assault, or arrest grieving parents and siblings seeking to meet the President.

The march shows growing frustration among victims’ families. It highlights delayed accountability and stalled reparations. It also raises questions about balancing citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly with security measures in sensitive demonstrations.