Thousands Attend Shujaaz Memorial Concert as Gen Z Shuts Down Uhuru Park

On Sunday, youths gathered at Uhuru Park grounds for the Shujaaz Memorial concert, dressed in black and waving Kenyan flags to honor those killed during the past three weeks of anti-government protests. Concertgoers demanded justice for those killed by rogue police officers while exercising their democratic rights.

Kenyan entertainers and activists, who continue to rally the youth against bad leadership, were among the attendees. Security was heightened in the Central Business District (CBD) and at key government installations ahead of the concert.

Protesters erected makeshift crosses bearing the names of Kenyans who died during the anti-tax protests. The white crosses were adorned with the Kenyan flag. The Shujaaz Memorial concert, coinciding with the historical Saba Saba day—a commemoration of the July 7, 1990 protests for multi-party democracy—marked the culmination of three weeks of protests.

The majority of the protesters, disenfranchised Kenyan youth, demanded government action against rampant corruption, unchecked spending, and an overhaul of Kenya's parliament.

While the state claims that 25 people were killed and 400 injured, rights groups believe the numbers are higher. According to the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), at least 43 people were killed and over 600 injured during the demonstrations.