By Urban Shihemi, March 13, 2026
Activists and residents in Nairobi gathered to commemorate International Quds Day in an event organized by the Committee for Quds Day 2026, amplifying calls for justice and liberation for the Palestinian people.
Held under the theme “Palestine and Quds: Unpacking Zionism in Kenya,” the forum provided a platform for dialogue, public education, and mobilization around the Palestinian cause.
The event was organized by the Committee for Quds Day 2026 in collaboration with several organizations, including the Ukombozi Library, the Kenya Palestine Solidarity Movement, the Revolutionary Socialist League, Pan African Socialist Alliance (PASA) and the Social Justice Centres Working Group.
Organizers said the gathering sought to deepen public understanding of the struggle in Palestine while encouraging greater civic engagement and solidarity among Kenyans.
Participants highlighted the interconnected nature of global anti-imperialist and anti-colonial struggles, drawing parallels between Kenya’s historical resistance to colonial rule and the ongoing Palestinian quest for self-determination and justice.
The program featured the screening of a Palestinian film depicting the realities of life under occupation. The screening was followed by a plenary reflection session where participants discussed what solidarity from Kenya means for Palestinians and explored ways in which local initiatives can contribute to the global movement advocating for Palestinian rights.
The Committee for Quds Day 2026, said the commemoration formed part of a broader effort to strengthen awareness and deepen connections between Kenyan communities and the Palestinian struggle.
Speaking during the event, Sobukwe Shukura, a member of the All-African People's Revolutionary Party, said solidarity efforts must go beyond symbolic gestures.
“This is about more than words; it is about action, education, and unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people,” he said.
Observed annually on the last Friday of Ramadan, International Quds Day was established to express support for Palestinians and to highlight the significance of Al-Quds (Jerusalem) as a symbol of resistance against oppression. This year’s observance in Nairobi reflected a growing engagement by Kenyan civil society on the Palestinian issue, even as official government positions have often maintained a neutral stance or diplomatic ties with Israel.
Participants also pointed to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. According to local medical sources, Israeli forces have continued violations of the ceasefire through shelling and gunfire, resulting in casualties since the truce took effect last October.
Israel launched a large-scale military campaign in Gaza Strip on October 8, 2023, which has resulted in widespread devastation, with tens of thousands of Palestinians reported killed and injured and significant destruction of civilian infrastructure.
Organizers said events such as the Nairobi commemoration are critical in ensuring the Palestinian issue remains visible globally.
As international attention remains focused on the Middle East, the gathering underscored how local movements in Kenya continue to contribute to global calls for justice, freedom, and an end to the occupation of Palestinian land.
