On Wednesday, June 25, 2025, something very emotional happened in Ongata Rongai during the nationwide protests marking one year since the 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.
A young man, believed to be part of the Gen Z movement, lay inside a coffin placed in the middle of the road during a peaceful procession. He remained still for several minutes, wearing a mask, while people gathered around him, creating a moment that touched many.
The act was symbolic. It represented the lives of young people who died during last year’s protests, most of whom were unarmed.
The people surrounding the coffin wore Kenyan flags and cried as if they were attending a real funeral. Some even performed traditional mourning rituals to show the pain and sadness that many families still feel.
The emotional display caught the attention of many passersby and was quickly shared on social media, spreading widely and touching hearts across the country.
Ongata Rongai was not chosen by accident. This town saw serious violence during last year’s protests, and several young people died there. That’s why it has become a powerful place for youth-led protests and remembrance activities.
Organisers of this year’s protest said they wanted to remember those who lost their lives and to keep pushing for justice and accountability from the government.
The protest started peacefully in the morning. People walked through the main roads holding posters with names and photos of those killed during the 2024 protests. When they reached a busy junction, they placed the coffin in the middle of the road, stopping traffic and drawing the attention of even more people.
The mood was serious and respectful, not chaotic.Organisers explained that using a coffin was meant to show how deep the pain still runs.
They said many families are still grieving and have not seen any justice. The coffin was not just a protest tool; it was a strong message about loss, remembrance, and the failure of the state to protect its citizens.
It also showed how this new generation of protesters uses powerful and creative ways to express their feelings and call for change.
