Siaya Governor James Orengo has called on Kenyans to mark June 25 as a day of remembrance and political resistance, sharply criticising the proposed Finance Bill and raising concerns over alleged state-linked violence during protests.
In a statement while addressing the press on Sunday, June 21, Orengo said the country must not ignore the deaths of young people who participated in past demonstrations, insisting their sacrifice should be publicly honoured.
“Fellow Kenyans, we will not watch as the blood of our children is treated as a footnote. June 25th remains a public holiday of remembrance and resistance,” he said.
,He cited several young people he described as victims of police shootings during protests, including Rex Maasai from Siaya, Herbert Ojwang, and Erickson, who he claimed was “gunned down outside Parliament.” Orengo said their actions reflected a broader struggle for economic justice.
“We must come out in large numbers to commemorate them. More than 50 brave young Kenyans lost their lives fighting for economic justice,” he added.
Orengo took a firm position against the Finance Bill, urging President William Ruto not to sign it into law. He also praised MPs who opposed the legislation through votes and boycotts, describing their actions as aligned with public sentiment.
“Our position remains firm: President Ruto must not sign the punitive Finance Bill into law. The executive must listen to the sovereign voice of the people,” he stated.
The governor further condemned reports of violence against civilians during demonstrations, including incidents he said occurred in places of worship. He also questioned remarks attributed to a legislator from Homa Bay suggesting a “Shoot to Kill” approach.
“Following the sickening ‘Shoot to Kill’ pronouncement, I challenge both the Minister of Interior and President William Ruto to break their silence and come clean on this state sanctioned violence,” Orengo said.
He called for transparency and accountability from security agencies and warned that continued silence from government leadership would deepen public anger and mistrust.
To supporters unable to join protests physically, Orengo urged symbolic participation through a stay-at-home action.
“To those who cannot join the march, stand in solid solidarity by staying at home and following the proceedings. Let the silence of our empty streets be a roaring testament against tyranny,” he said.
He concluded with a call for unity and persistence, saying the movement would not relent despite pressure or intimidation, as attention builds ahead of the planned June 25 commemorations.