In a formal notice submitted to the police, the families said the procession will begin at Jeevanjee Gardens in Nairobi at 9:00 a.m. before proceeding towards State House.
They say the march is intended to seek a direct audience with President William Ruto over what they describe as prolonged delays in investigations, prosecutions, and reparations for victims of police violence.
The families include parents, siblings, and relatives of youths who were killed or seriously injured during nationwide demonstrations that erupted in 2024 and continued into 2025.
The families include parents, siblings, and relatives of youths who were killed or seriously injured during nationwide demonstrations that erupted in 2024 and continued into 2025.
The protests were largely driven by public anger over proposed tax increases and broader economic hardship.
Speaking on behalf of the families, Kelvin Simba, whose brother Mike Brian Kasaine was killed during the protests, said findings by the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU) paint a disturbing picture of how many victims died.
According to Simba, IMLU data shows that three out of every five extrajudicial killings recorded during the protest period involved gunshot wounds inflicted from behind. He said this suggests that many of the victims were unarmed and fleeing when they were shot.
The families also highlighted the case of Rex Masai, whose death became a symbol of the protests. As of December 18, 2025, they noted that 547 days had passed since his killing, yet no police officer has been held accountable.
They accuse the government of dragging its feet on justice and compensation, despite a presidential proclamation issued on August 8, 2025.
Speaking on behalf of the families, Kelvin Simba, whose brother Mike Brian Kasaine was killed during the protests, said findings by the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU) paint a disturbing picture of how many victims died.
According to Simba, IMLU data shows that three out of every five extrajudicial killings recorded during the protest period involved gunshot wounds inflicted from behind. He said this suggests that many of the victims were unarmed and fleeing when they were shot.
The families also highlighted the case of Rex Masai, whose death became a symbol of the protests. As of December 18, 2025, they noted that 547 days had passed since his killing, yet no police officer has been held accountable.
They accuse the government of dragging its feet on justice and compensation, despite a presidential proclamation issued on August 8, 2025.
The proclamation established a framework for reparations to victims of police violence dating back to 2017, raising hopes among affected families that long-standing grievances would finally be addressed.
However, the families say little has changed on the ground.
In their notice, the families said they are frustrated that while the President has met multiple delegations on various national issues 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,” the notice read.
However, the families say little has changed on the ground.
In their notice, the families said they are frustrated that while the President has met multiple delegations on various national issues 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,” the notice read.
“We also march in solidarity with the many survivors who were left paralysed or permanently disabled.”
They stressed that the planned march is not a protest but a peaceful appeal for justice, dignity, and recognition of the suffering endured by victims and their families.
“In the spirit of Christmas, we seek a peaceful audience with the President to discuss justice and support for these families,” the statement added.
The families further appealed to the police to respect Article 37 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to assemble, demonstrate, and petition public authorities peacefully and unarmed.
They assured authorities that participants will carry only flowers and the national flag during the procession. They also formally requested a police escort to ensure safety and maintain public order throughout the march.
“This is not a protest but a plea for justice,” the notice stated. “We trust that the police will not harass, assault, or arrest grieving parents and siblings who only wish to be heard.”
The planned march comes amid continued national debate over police conduct, use of force, and accountability, with human rights organisations repeatedly calling for reforms within the security sector.
They stressed that the planned march is not a protest but a peaceful appeal for justice, dignity, and recognition of the suffering endured by victims and their families.
“In the spirit of Christmas, we seek a peaceful audience with the President to discuss justice and support for these families,” the statement added.
The families further appealed to the police to respect Article 37 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to assemble, demonstrate, and petition public authorities peacefully and unarmed.
They assured authorities that participants will carry only flowers and the national flag during the procession. They also formally requested a police escort to ensure safety and maintain public order throughout the march.
“This is not a protest but a plea for justice,” the notice stated. “We trust that the police will not harass, assault, or arrest grieving parents and siblings who only wish to be heard.”
The planned march comes amid continued national debate over police conduct, use of force, and accountability, with human rights organisations repeatedly calling for reforms within the security sector.
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