Kenyan celebrities have shown that when it comes to injustice and oppression, they too feel the pain of the ordinary mwananchi. On June 25, 2025, several entertainers, singers, actors, and content creators joined thousands of Kenyans in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) to demand justice and commemorate the lives lost during last year’s anti-Finance Bill protests.
Dubbed the “mother of all protests,” the June 25 demonstrations drew massive crowds as Kenyans remembered the Gen Z youth who were killed by police during the 2024 Occupy Parliament protests. This year’s protests turned into both a memorial and a fresh call for accountability.
Among those spotted on the frontlines was actress Jackie Matubia, who bravely joined the march despite battling personal grief after recently losing her father. In emotional videos shared on Instagram, Matubia could be seen shedding tears due to teargas exposure, saying, “There’s nothing hard like going through grief while also wanting to be in the frontline in fighting for your own country. Death is really cruel, it shouldn’t be like this.”
Comedian Njugush was also seen lifting his hands in solidarity, joining youth in chanting for change and justice. Actress Minne ‘Cayy’ Kariuki and her husband, Charles Muigai aka Lugz, arrived early at the CBD, engaging with fellow Kenyans and singing songs of freedom.
The popular dance group Matata didn’t hold back either. Carrying Kenyan flags and placards, the group demanded justice for the fallen heroes of the 2024 protests. Gospel singer Daddy Owen and entertainer DJ Mo joined radio presenter Sir Lotan on a boda boda as they made their way into the city center. DJ Mo captioned their journey with, “CBD incoming. Together as one, for our heroes.”
Musical couple Nameless and Wahu also took part, accompanied by their daughter Tumiso. Clad in Kenyan flags, they shared their support online, expressing their intention to stand with the people at the CBD.
Comedian Mammito Eunice, who recently became a mother, did not shy away from participating. She shared photos of herself at the protest with a witty caption saying, “The milk has already been pumped. Now let us pump changes,” highlighting her readiness for both motherhood and activism.
Rapper Nyashinski, along with his wife Zia Bett, also took to the streets. In a touching post, Nyashinski mourned all the lives lost during last year’s protests, calling for lasting change.
In a lighter yet symbolic moment, a shirtless young man was spotted handing out bread and soda to police officers stationed around the CBD. With a cart full of supplies, he extended an olive branch of kindness, reminding everyone that peace and unity remain possible even in moments of tension.
The presence of so many Kenyan celebrities at the June 25 protests has amplified the message that the struggle for justice transcends social status. As more voices join the call for accountability and reform, the momentum behind the movement continues to grow, uniting citizens from all walks of life.
