Hundreds of Kenyans took to the streets of Nairobi on Sunday to protest the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where reports estimate that over 65,000 people have been killed in ongoing violence.
The protest, which began as a motorcade of cars and boda bodas from Adams Arcade, culminated in a large gathering at Uhuru Park. Demonstrators carried placards, waved Palestinian flags, and chanted slogans calling for an immediate ceasefire and international intervention.
Speakers at the peaceful rally drew parallels between Gaza’s plight and Africa’s own history of colonization and oppression.
“We are here to show our solidarity for Palestine. It is not okay for children to be bombed — this is the most documented genocide ever,” said Hanifa Aden, a prominent human rights defender.
Irungu Houghton, Executive Director of Amnesty International Kenya, condemned the invasion of Gaza, describing it as “worrying” and urging world leaders to intervene.
“The concern we have today is not just for Palestine — it is a global concern for humanity,” he said.
Also present were former senator Billow Kerrow and National Muslim Leaders Forum (NAMLEF) Chairman Abdillahi Abdi, both of whom called on world powers to take concrete action to end the bloodshed and facilitate lasting peace in the Middle East.
The protest coincides with the start of the United Nations General Assembly in New York this week, where the conflict in Gaza is expected to feature prominently on the agenda.
In recent weeks, several countries — including Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom — have formally recognized Palestinian statehood, a move protesters said should inspire other nations, including Kenya, to take a stand.
Organizers urged the Kenyan government and African Union to play a more active diplomatic role in pushing for peace talks and humanitarian aid corridors.
“Africa cannot remain silent. We know what oppression looks like, and we must add our voice to the call for justice,” one protest leader told the crowd.
The demonstration ended peacefully, with participants vowing to continue raising awareness and lobbying both local and international policymakers until concrete steps are taken to end the violence.
