On Sunday, September 21, hundreds of Kenyans gathered at Uhuru Park in Nairobi to demonstrate against Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza and to express solidarity with Palestinians enduring conflict, blockade and displacement. The event, which began with a convoy of motorbike and car riders from Adams Arcade, was convened by Muslim leaders, civil society groups and human rights defenders.

The peaceful protest brought together a wide spectrum of voices, including Islamic scholars, imams from across the country, political leaders, human rights organizations, and members of the public. Among those present were Sheikh Jamaludin Osman, imam of Jamia Mosque; Hassan Omar, secretary general of the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA); former senator Billow Kerrow; Abdillahi Abdi, chairman of the National Muslim Leaders Forum (NAMLEF); and Irũngũ Houghton, executive director of Amnesty International Kenya.

Speakers drew parallels between the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Africa’s colonial past, stressing that the Palestinian struggle was not confined to religious or national boundaries but was a universal human rights issue. Hanifa Aden, a human rights defender, declared, “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.”

Irũngũ Houghton described the invasion of Gaza as “worrying” and pressed the Kenyan government to consistently vote for UN resolutions that call for an end to hostilities, protection of civilians, accountability for war crimes, and the realization of a two-state solution. He stressed that the concern extended beyond Palestine, framing it as a matter for the entire planet.

Other speakers issued stronger calls for action. Hassan Omar urged the Kenyan government to classify Israel as a terrorist entity, while Sheikh Jamaludin Osman called for a boycott of Israeli-linked products such as KFC and Coca-Cola, arguing that their consumption indirectly funded military aggression.

The gathering also served as a fundraising platform. Contributions were collected to provide food aid, medical supplies and other essentials for Palestinians. Additionally, funds were raised for an environmental initiative to plant trees in memory of Palestinians who have lost their lives. Islamic schools, mosques, and committees from different parts of Kenya joined the effort, underlining nationwide participation.

Resolutions from the protest included urging the Kenyan government to adopt a firm diplomatic stance against Israel, encouraging boycotts of Israeli-affiliated businesses, and mobilizing sustained humanitarian support for Palestinians. Participants further condemned what they termed the hypocrisy of world powers whose silence and inaction had prolonged Palestinian suffering.

The protest coincided with the opening of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where the Gaza conflict is expected to dominate deliberations. With more than 65,000 Palestinians reported killed and over two million residents of Gaza facing dire humanitarian conditions, Nairobi’s demonstrators vowed to continue advocating until global accountability and a lasting resolution are achieved.