When David Mwangi, spokesperson for NTV Kenya reported on Tuesday night, a sea of banners and flags streamed down Nairobi as demonstrators gathered to mark the second anniversary of the Oct 7 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. The march, which began at roughly 9:35 PM UTC, was billed by its organizers as a “peace rally” and a show of solidarity with the State of Israel.
Background to the Oct 7 2023 attack
The original assault, launched by Hamas gunmen on 7 October 2023, killed exactly 1,200 people and left 251 hostages, according to health officials in Gaza. Israel’s subsequent military response in the Gaza Strip has, as of 7 October 2025, resulted in more than 67,000 Palestinian deaths, a figure supplied by the Gaza Health Ministry and echoed by numerous international monitors.
These numbers have become the grim benchmark for every anniversary, shaping how governments and civil societies frame their statements. In Kenya, a country that maintains diplomatic ties with both Jerusalem and Ramallah, the narrative has often been one of cautious balance – until now.
The Nairobi march: what happened
Organizers, whose names were not disclosed, said the stroll through downtown Nairobi was intended to “promote peace and show support for Israel.” Participants hoisted three national flags – Kenyan, Israeli, and American – while chanting slogans such as “Israel Belongs to God” and “Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem.” The march route passed the central business district, drawing a crowd estimated at 300 to 400 people.
Security forces maintained a visible presence but reported no arrests or clashes. Local police chief Captain James Otieno later told reporters that the event proceeded “peacefully, with respect for the right to assembly.”
Reactions at home and abroad
Within Kenya, the demonstration sparked a flurry of commentary on television and social media. NTV Kenya’s flagship morning show AM Live invited political analysts and community leaders to debate whether the march reflected a broader shift in Kenyan public opinion toward the Middle East conflict.
Internationally, the protest stood out because many global cities hosted pro‑Palestinian rallies on the same day. The World Socialist Web Site noted that "protests marking two years since the Oct 7 pretext for Israel's ongoing genocide of the Palestinians were held Tuesday in cities around the world," highlighting the contrast with Nairobi’s pro‑Israel stance.
Across the globe, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the anti‑Jewish sentiments that had emerged during protests in the United Kingdom, calling them “un‑British.” While Starmer’s remarks were directed at UK demonstrators, Kenyan observers cited them as part of a broader "global conversation" on how societies handle memory and grief.
Casualty figures and humanitarian toll
- Oct 7 2023 Hamas attack: 1,200 killed, 251 hostages.
- Israeli military response (2023‑2025): >67,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza Health Ministry.
- Additional civilian casualties reported by NGOs: over 60,000, including 20,000 children.
These stark statistics were repeatedly invoked by speakers at the Nairobi march, underscoring the claim that the rally was not just a political statement but a humanitarian plea for “peace in Jerusalem.”
What this means for Kenya’s foreign policy
Kenya has a long‑standing partnership with Israel, especially in technology and agriculture. The country also supports UN‑led peace initiatives for the Palestinians. The visible pro‑Israel demonstration may signal a modest tilt toward stronger diplomatic engagement with Jerusalem, a move that could affect aid negotiations and regional trade talks.
Foreign Ministry official Ambassador Susan Njeri told the press that Kenya remains "committed to a balanced approach that respects both Israeli security concerns and the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people."
Looking ahead: future commemorations
The Nairobi march is likely to become an annual fixture, according to one of the event’s unnamed coordinators. They hinted at a larger inter‑faith ceremony next year, possibly involving Christian and Muslim leaders from Kenya’s diverse communities.
Meanwhile, analysts warn that the divergent narratives surrounding the Oct 7 anniversary could deepen societal divides if not handled with sensitivity. As Business Redefined host Samuel Ochieng observed, "the way we remember these events will shape the diplomatic and social fabric of our nation for years to come."
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Nairobi march affect Kenya’s relationship with Israel?
The public display of support strengthens Kenya’s existing ties with Israel in areas such as agriculture, water management and security collaboration. It may also prompt the Kenyan government to seek deeper economic partnerships, though officials stress that Nairobi will continue to advocate for a two‑state solution.
What were the main messages on the banners carried by demonstrators?
The two most prominent slogans were “Israel Belongs to God” and “Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem.” Organizers said the messages were intended to convey solidarity with the Israeli people while calling for an end to violence.
Why were the Kenyan, Israeli and U.S. flags present at the rally?
Participants explained that the three flags symbolise Kenya’s support for Israel, the bilateral cooperation between Nairobi and Jerusalem, and the broader alliance with the United States, which has historically backed Israel in international forums.
How did other countries react to the second‑anniversary protests?
While many European capitals saw pro‑Palestinian demonstrations, the United Kingdom faced criticism from Prime Minister Keir Starmer over what he called “un‑British” anti‑Jewish chants. In contrast, the United States issued a statement reaffirming its support for Israel’s right to self‑defence.
What are the prospects for future commemorations in Kenya?
Organizers hinted at expanding next year’s event to include inter‑faith prayers and a panel discussion involving Kenyan Muslim and Christian leaders, aiming to broaden the dialogue around peace in the Middle East and its resonance in Africa.
1 Comments
It is evident that the Nairobi demonstration reflects a troubling alignment with Israeli policy, one that overlooks the profound suffering endured by the Palestinian populace. The rhetoric of "peace" employed by the organizers appears to be a veneer for a one‑sided endorsement. Moreover, the conspicuous presence of American flags serves to underscore an external influence that may not serve Kenya’s own national interests. Such events warrant a sober assessment rather than celebratory fanfare.
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