Orengo Makes Dramatic Motorbike Exit as Gen Z Protest Anniversary Commemoration Faces Disruption

Following disruptions during a ceremony honoring the victims of the 2024 Gen Z protests, Siaya Governor James Orengo gained public attention on Thursday when he abruptly left Nairobi’s Central Business District on a boda boda.

On June 25, 2026, the event commemorated the second anniversary of the protests that rocked the nation and claimed the lives of numerous young Kenyans.

Political leaders, civil society activists, and the families of the victims had gathered in front of Parliament Buildings to pay tribute to the deceased and to reiterate calls for justice and accountability.

The event was supposed to be a somber occasion where attendees would lay flowers in remembrance of those slain during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.

However, the preparations were derailed by increased security and escalating tensions in the neighborhood, which forced many participants to modify their plans while police kept a close eye on Parliament.

Governor James Orengo, a lifelong supporter of democratic freedoms and constitutional rights, was one of the leaders in attendance.

He demonstrated his support for the families pursuing justice for their dear ones by attending the event.

Orengo was spotted leaving the area on the back of a motorcycle as the situation grew more violent. This incident swiftly garnered a lot of attention on social media.

Supporters described the governor’s boda boda exit as a sign of the tense atmosphere of the day in videos and photos that went viral online.

Others saw the episode as a reflection of the challenges participants experienced when trying to conduct a nonviolent remembrance.

Orengo had openly defended the planned event prior to the anniversary celebration, stating that it was not politically motivated nor intended to forward any partisan agenda.

He said that moms and families who lost their children during the uprisings and just wanted to memorialize them were the main organizers of the memorial.

Prior to the event, the governor stressed that by informing authorities about the planned protests, the organizers had complied with all legal requirements.

He maintained that law enforcement organizations have an obligation to support and defend citizens’ constitutional rights once they have complied with the law by giving notice.

Orengo said that rather than obstructing legitimate gatherings, authorities should defend nonviolent protestors.

He also asked why a democratic society would object to its members celebrating a day that claimed the lives of several young people.

The governor also emphasized the significance of remembering ceremonies for a democratic society, particularly when they involve individuals pursuing accountability and justice.

He pointed out that honoring victims draws attention to the need to address unresolved issues related to their deaths rather than undermining the state.

A number of parents who lost children in the 2024 protests spoke to the audience during the event, sharing heartfelt remarks and calling for responsibility from those in charge.

Julian Munyao, one of the speakers, claimed to be Rex Kanyike Masai’s mother.

She bemoaned the absence of accountability and maintained that justice could never be replaced by monetary compensation alone.

She emphasized that real closure could only come via accountability and said that those accountable for the killings should face legal repercussions.

Mama Ericsson, another distraught mom, said she had come to Parliament to pay tribute to her son, who she thought was slain during the demonstrations close to the parliamentary premises.

She called on the government to give the impacted families’ right to justice top priority and to explain the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

Additionally, Mama Kennedy Onyango pleaded with the government to grant the family a calm way to remember their lost ones.

She pointed out that a large number of the event’s parents were elderly and shouldn’t have to run through congested streets or escape from tear gas.

The emotional burden that families bear two years after the protests was brought to light by their testimonials.

For many of them, the occasion served as both a memorial service and a chance to remind the country that there are still unanswered questions about the deaths.

Security around Parliament continued to be strict as the day went on. As crowds came to honor the victims, a large number of police officers were called in. As the tension grew, some participants—including political leaders—left the region.

One of the most iconic pictures of the day was Orengo’s motorcycle departure, which represented the commemoration’s ambiguity and resolve.

The June 25 anniversary brought up memories of the events of 2024, when large-scale protests that were first triggered by resistance to the Finance Bill developed into more general calls for accountability, transparency, reduced taxes, and better governance.

Although the protests turned into a significant event in Kenya’s political history, many families were left grieving the loss of loved ones.

The message was the same for those who gathered outside Parliament: justice must go hand in hand with remembrance. In addition to paying tribute to the deceased, the families are still looking for answers and accountability over what caused their death.