Moi University has advised students to take part in a tree planting and clean-up exercise on Wednesday, June 25, instead of joining street demonstrations to mark the anniversary of youths killed during last year’s Finance Bill protests.
In an internal memo dated June 23, the university’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Administration, Planning and Strategy announced the environmental initiative, which is set to run from 8 a.m. to 12 noon at both the Main Campus and the Annexe.
“All staff and students who will not be engaged in lectures during this period are encouraged to participate,” the memo reads.
Participants will gather at designated locations on each campus for further instructions.
The announcement comes as the Moi University Students Organization (MUSO) remains split over how to mark the emotionally charged date.
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Moi University Student Leaders on Protests
June 25, 2024, saw deadly protests against the Finance Bill 2024 that left several young demonstrators dead, sparking national outrage.
Some student leaders opposing campus involvement in the anniversary memorial have faced growing backlash online, with several influencers on X condemning their stance and accusing them of ignoring the sacrifices made during the protests.
Despite the controversy, university officials have framed the tree planting initiative as a positive alternative that aligns with national environmental goals.
Moi University has participated in multiple greening efforts in recent years, in line with the government’s climate action strategy.
June 25 Anniversary Protests
Nationwide protests are being planned for Wednesday, June 25, in honour of lives lost during recent demonstrations, with organisers calling it a National Remembrance Day for Kenya’s fallen heroes.
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According to a viral poster circulating online, the protests, dubbed “Justice 4 Our Mashujaa” will take place countrywide across all 47 counties starting from 10:00 am.
The protest is being led in memory of what the poster refers to as “our Gen Z Mashujaa”, a reference to young protestors who were brutally killed by the police during anti-government demonstrations that began in June last year.
“National Remembrance Day to honour our heroes, and demand justice and compensation for innocent protestors murdered by the Kenyan State. We shall march countrywide, in all the 47 counties, to remember our fallen heroes,” read the poster in parts.
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