Nakuru artists honour those killed in June 2024 protests
Priest the Poet performing at the After 5 Street Vibe on 27th June 2025.
The After 5 Street Vibe kicked off shortly after 5 p.m. on Friday, initially drawing a small crowd, with more people joining in while waving Kenyan flags.
The energy quickly built up, led by two dynamic emcees who helped the audience in the show. The central message of the evening was clear—it was a celebration and remembrance of those who lost their lives during last year’s anti-finance bill protests.
Near the stage, a placard displayed the names of the fallen, serving as a powerful visual tribute.
Placard showing names of the people who lost their lives during the June 2024 anti-finance bill protests displayed last night at the After 5 Street Vibe on 27th June 2025.
Every artist who stepped on the stage delivered a powerful piece calling for an end to police brutality and injustice.
Additionally, the creatives called for accountability from the politicians for a better nation.
As darkness creeped in, performances from various artists captivated the growing crowd.
One of the attendees, Hadija Abdulkarim shares that those who died were pursuing the dream of a just society, and they did so confidently.
The gathering reminded her of that shared struggle, and she felt comforted by the unity of the young people who showed up for the event, noting it gave her the sense that they were all in this together.
Carlos Saola, another resident emphasizes the unity and power of young people in advocating for peace and change, as he calls on the crowd to value the lives lost, uphold the spirit of freedom fighters, and remember that the people who showed up for the cause did so not because of their tribe, but because of shared values.
According to the organizer, Priest the Poet, he explains that they had completed 13 episodes of their After 5 Street Vibe, adding that this event marked the start Season 2, Episode 1 with a special focus on civic education.
"The show was inspired by current events in the country. This season, we are pushing for more consistency in hosting events," he says.
On the artists’ performances, he says they went beyond expectations, deeply connecting with the audience.
Nakuru City Manager Gitau Thabanja who was present also highlights the need for Nakuru to embrace its identity, noting that the city management will ensure the installation of a floodlight to support the event when darkness falls.