KENYA: Government Affirms June 25 Not Public Holiday Despite Opposition Call

By Lisbeth Micheni, Kenya

Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has affirmed that June 25, 2025, will proceed as a normal working day, countering calls by opposition leader Kalonzo Musyoka to treat the date as a symbolic holiday in memory of those who lost their lives during the 2024 youth-led protests.

Musyoka, the head of the Wiper party, had urged citizens to stay away from work on that day, proposing it be marked by lighting candles in honor of young Kenyans who died during demonstrations against the government’s economic policies.

He emphasized that the intention was not to incite unrest but to pay tribute peacefully to the fallen.

Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday, Mwaura firmly rejected the suggestion, reiterating that June 25 remains a regular weekday with no official change in status.

He dismissed the initiative as an attempt to revive last year’s Gen Z protest movement.

“There is no government-sanctioned public holiday on June 25. It is a normal working day,” Mwaura said. “Efforts to resurface past movements are misplaced. We must look ahead.”

He also encouraged the public to participate in ongoing national dialogues and forums to express their concerns constructively.

Kalonzo had earlier invited faith leaders to participate in a candle-lighting ceremony outside Parliament on June 25, describing the gesture as a spiritual act to honor young protesters whose blood was shed during clashes with authorities.

At least five lives were reportedly lost during the 2024 protests, largely driven by young, decentralized groups demanding political accountability, job creation, and economic reforms.

Declaring the date as “Gen Z Liberation Day,” Kalonzo said it would stand as a tribute to the courage and sacrifice shown by the youth in pushing for change.

Despite the opposition’s efforts to institutionalize the commemoration, the government insists that June 25 does not hold official holiday status and work will proceed as usual across the country.