On August 25, hundreds of Kenyans filled the streets of the capital, Nairobi, waving Palestinian flags and chanting “Free, free Palestine.” The crowd moved through major roads, many on motorbikes and cars, making their message visible across the city.
The protest, organised by grassroots groups and civil society activists, aimed to show solidarity with civilians in Gaza caught in the ongoing war. Demonstrators condemned the bombings of hospitals, homes, and schools, and called for an end to the violence and suffering.
Activist Shakira Wafula addressed the crowd passionately, saying, “The genocide in Palestine has to stop. Children are dying, women are suffering.” Her words were met with loud applause and emotional chants.
Kenyans Connect Gaza Crisis to Africa’s Colonial Past
Another speaker, Nabil Mohamed, drew a powerful connection between Gaza’s current situation and Kenya’s past under British colonial rule. “We went through colonisation. They are under occupation. We share the same colonial masters,” he said. “We can’t sit back and watch the mass murders, the starvation, and the killing of innocent children.”
This sentiment echoes a wider Pan-Africanist view, where the Palestinian struggle is seen as part of the global resistance against imperialism. Many Kenyans, particularly youth activists, are reviving the language of anti-colonialism to highlight injustices in Gaza.
This rally is the latest in a series of solidarity actions across Kenya. In recent months, events have ranged from candlelight vigils in Nairobi to tree-planting campaigns in Mombasa marking Palestine Land Day.
From Prayer Vigils to Boycotts: Kenya’s Rising Voice
Back in March 2024, religious leaders at Nairobi’s Jamia Mosque launched a national fundraising campaign to aid Gaza residents. They also called for a boycott of Israeli products and urged the government to take a firmer diplomatic stance on the war.
Similar support was seen on International Quds Day, when hundreds gathered at the Sir Ali Muslim Club to pledge solidarity with Palestine. Organisations such as Kenyans 4 Palestine and the Pan-African Palestine Solidarity Network have played a crucial role in coordinating peaceful protests, educational forums, and donation drives.
This groundswell of activism reflects both humanitarian concern and a profound sense of historical justice. For many, what is happening in Gaza resonates with Kenya’s own past and its struggle for freedom.
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