On Sunday, September 21, 2025, Nairobi’s Uhuru Park became a focal point for protestors rallying against Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza. The demonstration highlighted widespread discontent and solidarity with Palestinians enduring violence, displacement, and some of the harshest humanitarian conditions globally. The assembly kicked off with a convoy from Adams Arcade, organized by a coalition of Muslim leaders, civil society groups, and human rights advocates.
Among the attendees were prominent figures such as Sheikh Jamaludin Osman, Imam of Jamia Mosque, Hassan Omar, Secretary General of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), and Irũngũ Houghton, Executive Director of Amnesty International Kenya. These leaders underscored the parallels between Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and Africa’s colonial legacy, framing the Palestinian struggle as a global human rights issue. Hanifa Aden, a noted human rights defender, emphasized the moral imperative to oppose what she described as a heavily documented genocide.
Irũngũ Houghton highlighted the urgent need for the Kenyan government to back United Nations resolutions aimed at ending hostilities and ensuring accountability for alleged war crimes. Such resolutions are crucial for the realization of a two-state solution and broader international stability.
Stronger calls to action included demands from Hassan Omar for Kenya to classify Israel as a terrorist state and from Sheikh Jamaludin Osman for a boycott of Israeli-associated products. These recommendations, including high-profile brands like KFC and Coca-Cola, were justified by their perceived indirect funding of military actions against Palestinians. These sentiments reflect a growing trend among global civil society groups advocating for economic measures to exert pressure on Israel.
The event also served a philanthropic purpose, raising funds for humanitarian missions to provide essential supplies to beleaguered communities in Gaza. Furthermore, a green initiative to plant trees in memory of deceased Palestinians highlighted the multifaceted approach to advocacy that characterizes such protests. The participation of Islamic schools, mosques, and various committees from across Kenya illustrated nationwide solidarity and engagement.
Protesters appealed to the Kenyan government to adopt a firm diplomatic stance and encourage global accountability. They criticized what they viewed as the hypocrisy and silence of international powers, which they blamed for prolonging suffering in Palestine. The timing of the protest, coinciding with the start of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, underscores the urgency and international dimension of the issue, especially as deliberations are expected to be dominated by the Gaza conflict.
For a deeper dive into the event, see the detailed coverage on JURIST. The persistence of these protestors serves as a reminder of the global quest for accountability and a sustainable resolution to a protracted conflict affecting countless lives.