Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has firmly denied viral claims that June 25th will be declared a public holiday in honour of last year’s deadly anti-finance bill protests. As online momentum builds around the date, Mwaura has urged Kenyans to focus on unity and due process instead of unofficial campaigns.
Highlights:
- Isaac Mwaura says June 25 is not a gazetted holiday
- Online rumours tied the date to last year’s finance bill protests
- Mwaura calls for national unity and constructive civic engagement
- Gen Z-led calls for commemoration are gaining online traction
Main Story:
As June approaches, a growing number of Kenyans—especially online—have called for June 25th to be observed as a day of remembrance for victims of the 2024 anti-finance bill protests. However, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has officially shut down those claims, declaring the date will not be recognized as a public holiday.
In a clear statement, Mwaura said: “We have heard people say that June 25 is a public holiday. There is no public holiday on June 25. It is a working day if at all it falls on a weekday.” He added that such designations must go through official legal and legislative channels — not viral posts.
June 25, 2024, marked one of the most intense days in Kenya’s recent history, with youth-led protests against the controversial finance bill turning deadly. The events sparked national conversations around economic justice, police brutality, and civic resistance — especially among Gen Z, who dominated the frontlines and the digital space.
While acknowledging the emotions tied to the day, Mwaura urged citizens to focus on forward momentum. “We must move forward. Whatever people are trying to recreate for the Gen Z movement — that is a thing of the past,” he said. He encouraged those with concerns to engage with the ongoing Finance Bill review process through public forums and committee hearings.
Despite the government’s stance, conversations continue online under hashtags demanding remembrance, justice, and reform. Many Kenyans believe the protests marked a turning point for youth political engagement and want the date formally recognized in history.
As June 25 nears, the question remains — is it just another day, or has it already become a symbol too powerful to ignore?
