Second Commemoration of Mama Victor Rekindles the Call for Justice and National Resilience
The Social Justice Movement has held the second commemoration of Mama Victor, honouring a woman whose courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice transformed personal tragedy into a powerful movement for accountability. The gathering brought together families of victims, human rights defenders, community organisers, and young people determined to keep alive the struggle for dignity, justice, and the protection of human rights. The event was held under the theme “Reparations na Justice,” emphasizing that remembrance must be accompanied by meaningful accountability and systemic reform.
Benna “Mama Victor” Buluma became a national symbol of resilience after losing her sons to police violence. Rather than surrendering to grief, she stood alongside countless other families affected by extrajudicial killings, helping build solidarity and demanding justice for victims. Her unwavering advocacy inspired many across Kenya, leading to her recognition as a fearless defender of human rights and the namesake of the Mama Victor Resilience Room, established in honour of her legacy.
This year’s commemoration was not only about remembering Mama Victor but also reflecting on the current state of the country. Participants expressed deep concern over what they described as an alarming climate of fear, marked by reports of enforced disappearances, unlawful arrests, and growing anxiety among citizens who increasingly question whether they are safe from arbitrary state action. These concerns, they argued, have created uncertainty within communities and renewed calls for stronger protection of constitutional rights.
Despite these fears, the gathering was characterised by hope rather than despair. Speakers urged Kenyans not to surrender to intimidation but to remain united in defending justice, human dignity, and the rule of law. Mama Victor’s life was presented as a reminder that resilience is not the absence of pain but the determination to continue demanding accountability even in the face of adversity.
The Social Justice Movement reiterated that remembrance carries responsibility. Honouring those who have suffered requires sustained civic engagement, peaceful advocacy, and solidarity with affected families. Participants emphasized that justice is not achieved through silence but through collective action grounded in constitutional values and respect for human rights.
The event also renewed calls for citizens to participate in the upcoming Saba Saba March for Our Lives. Organisers described the planned march as an opportunity for Kenyans from all walks of life to peacefully affirm their commitment to protecting life, defending democratic freedoms, and demanding accountability from public institutions. They stressed that peaceful assembly remains a constitutional right and an important avenue for expressing public concerns.
As the second commemoration came to a close, Mama Victor’s legacy stood taller than ever. Her courage continues to inspire a generation that refuses to normalise injustice or forget those whose lives have been affected by violence. In remembering her, the Social Justice Movement reaffirmed that the pursuit of justice is not a single event but a continuous journey requiring courage, unity, and resilience.
For many in attendance, Mama Victor’s greatest lesson remains clear: even in the darkest moments, ordinary citizens possess the strength to stand together, defend one another, and continue building a Kenya where every life is valued, every right is respected, and justice is accessible to all.