NAIROBI, Kenya Jun 24 – Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has renewed calls for June 25 to be recognized as a national public holiday, saying the date should forever commemorate the sacrifices made by young Kenyans during the historic 2024 Gen Z protests.

In a statement issued on the eve of the second anniversary of the demonstrations that shook the country and led to the storming of Parliament, Kalonzo proposed that June 25 be designated “Liberation Day.”

The opposition leader said the day should serve as a permanent reminder of the courage shown by young Kenyans who took to the streets to oppose the controversial Finance Bill 2024.

“I reaffirm a position I have consistently championed: that June 25th be formally recognised as a national public holiday: LIBERATION DAY,” Kalonzo said.

“This day should serve as a permanent reminder of the sacrifices made by brave Kenyans in defence of freedom, a National Day of Remembrance, reflection, and accountability.”

Kalonzo said the Gen Z demonstrations marked a turning point in Kenya’s democratic history, describing the youth-led movement as one that inspired citizens both within the country and beyond its borders.

According to him, young people from across Kenya united against what they viewed as an unfair Finance Bill that would have placed an even heavier burden on struggling households.

“Two years ago, young Kenyans from every corner of this Republic poured into our streets and said, with one voice: Enough,” he stated.

The former Vice President argued that the movement demonstrated the power of ordinary citizens to influence national conversations and demand accountability from leaders.

The Wiper leader also paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the protests, saying their sacrifices should never be forgotten.

“History will remember them not as victims, but as patriots who stood up when their country needed them most,” he said.

He called on the government and security agencies to account for every person who died, disappeared or was allegedly abducted during and after the demonstrations.

“The names of our fallen, abducted, kidnapped, and wrongly charged must not become mere footnotes in our history,” Kalonzo said.

As Kenyans prepare to mark the second anniversary of the protests, Kalonzo urged police and security agencies to exercise restraint and allow demonstrators to exercise their constitutional rights peacefully.

“I call on the police and all security agencies to exercise maximum restraint tomorrow and in the days ahead,” he said.

“Demonstrators must be allowed to exercise their constitutional rights without interference from hired goons, excessive force, or live ammunition.”