IRCK Calls for Justice, Dialogue and Peace Ahead of June 25 Anniversary
By Peace Muthoka.
NAIROBI, June 23, 2026 — The Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK) has called for justice, accountability and national healing as the country prepares to mark the second anniversary of the June 25, 2024 protests that left dozens of Kenyans dead and many others injured.
In a statement issued ahead of the commemoration, the council urged the government, security agencies and citizens to honour the memory of those who lost their lives by embracing peace, truth and dialogue.
IRCK said Kenya must not forget the victims of the 2024 demonstrations, recalling that at least 60 identified people lost their lives during the protests, while many other deaths remain undocumented. The council also remembered those killed during the June 25, 2025 anniversary demonstrations, saying the recurring loss of life during public protests remains a painful reminder of unresolved national grievances.
The faith-based organization noted that many families continue to grapple with grief and uncertainty as they seek answers about the circumstances surrounding the deaths and disappearances of their loved ones.
As the country reflects on the events of the past two years, IRCK renewed its call for a credible, independent and transparent inquiry into all fatalities, injuries and disappearances linked to demonstrations since June 2024.
The council said accountability is essential for national reconciliation and stressed that justice and healing must move together if Kenya is to restore public trust and strengthen its democratic institutions.
At the same time, IRCK welcomed the government’s commitment to compensate families affected by the protests, describing the move as a significant step towards restorative justice.
The council urged relevant institutions to ensure that compensation reaches deserving families promptly and transparently, while safeguarding the dignity of those affected.
With commemorative activities expected across the country on June 25, IRCK appealed for restraint from both demonstrators and security agencies.
The council reminded Kenyans that the Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and urged all parties to uphold that right responsibly. It also called on the National Police Service to protect citizens exercising their constitutional freedoms while maintaining public safety.
IRCK said a peaceful commemoration would be the most meaningful tribute to those who lost their lives and would demonstrate the country’s commitment to healing and unity.
Beyond the anniversary, the council pointed to growing economic challenges facing many Kenyans and called for inclusive dialogue to address concerns raised by citizens, particularly young people.
According to IRCK, the frustrations expressed during the 2024 protests reflected genuine concerns about governance, economic hardship and the rising cost of living, issues that require engagement rather than confrontation.
The council urged government leaders to listen more closely to citizens and strengthen channels for public participation, saying meaningful dialogue remains the most sustainable path to lasting peace and national cohesion.
IRCK further offered to facilitate conversations between government, youth, civil society and political leaders, noting that faith communities are uniquely positioned to bridge divides and foster understanding at the grassroots level.
The council maintained that Kenya’s recovery from the painful events of recent years will depend on truth, accountability and a collective commitment to protecting the dignity and value of every human life.
As the country prepares to mark another June 25 anniversary, IRCK says the pursuit of justice, peaceful dialogue and national unity remains crucial to preventing future unrest and building a stronger, more inclusive nation.
