Who really controls the Gen Z powerhouse in Kenya? Is it no one? It has to be no one.
Before 18th June, 2024 Kenya was facing many serious economic and political crises. Just the previous year, attempts to challenge the 2023 Finance Bill through constitutional means like litigation and public participation had run into a brick wall. Relevant authorities, perhaps willfully; ignored widespread public discontentment and passed what was considered one of the most punitive bills at the time. Moreover, constitutionally allowed protests against the bill and cost of living faced the country’s biggest endemic political obstacle. Tribal balkanization politics and governance.
In 2023 the “Cost of Living” demonstrations were called for by the Azimio One Kenya Alliance, and led by the former Prime Minister, and Orange Democratic Party (ODM) leader Hon. Raila Odinga. The ODM support base featured prominently in these protests. It goes without saying that ODM supporters have for many years agitated, being unfairly profiled as violent, Luo, and goonies.
Consequently, many protestors would turn up injured or killed by the police during such protests and the ensuing unrest.
Under the opposition leadership, relentless attempts to seek policy reforms, electoral reforms, accountability in governance, amongst many other key issues have often therefore been thwarted by immeasurable police action and brutal force. This has been in the playbook for many governments of the day; spanning the presidencies of Moi, Kibaki, Uhuru, and now Ruto.
Key government officials usually do the light lifting work of ethnically profiling the protestors. Before sending out their trained men in uniform to ruthlessly quell the dissidents. Many times, the issues raised by protestors are left unaddressed; with calls from religious leaders (amongst other sectors) to move on.
The Scramble for Youth and the Partitioning of Gen Z.
Why is it disconcerting to see so many politicians jostling and clawing trying to claim leadership over what started as a leaderless youth movement?
- “What is their plan for the country? They should avoid sideshows.”
- “They are not progressive leaders. Some of them are opportunists with no regard for the youth beyond leadership positions and government contracts.”
- “Facing imminent relegation to political irrelevance is not a good reason for wanting to hijack an organic national movement for good. “
In all fairness, the views by our respondents 2 and 3 above may be labelled as being subjective.
Peaceful Youth Protestors of Kenya in 2024
At the beginning of the youth protests in June 2024, many politicians and observers dismissed them as inconsequential. Many politicians are quoted saying the youth were children and did not have a voice or know what they were talking about. However, as the movement gained global coverage and traction, more young people joined in the streets and the calls for action could no longer be ignored.
Moreover, owing to their peaceful nature, the police and typical government agencies could initially not use brute force to stop the protests. This would first require a warranting pro-government or anti-protestors narrative. Else, they risked garnering backlash amidst growing public and global scrutiny. It proved difficult to manipulate public opinion, especially against a leaderless, digitally savvy, and unabashedly vocal group of protestors.
The older generation of leaders (DP’s ilk) that would previously vehemently vilify and ethnically profile protestors, were for the first time caught flat-footed. The protestors demanded that all raised matters of genuine public concern be addressed.
However, following a mixture of interventions, both in response to the protestors’ demands; and speculated strategic infiltration of the movement by government and other bad actors, the protestors finally retreated from the streets.
Politicians Claiming Control of the Youthful “Gen Z”
The following prominent individuals have been accused of; or have attempted to claim political backing from the youthful protestors since the 2024 anti Finance Bill protests.
- Businessman Jimi Wanjigi
- Deputy President Hon. Rigathi Gachagua
- Wiper Leader Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka
- Activist Morara Kebaso
- Former Prime Minister Hon. Raila Odinga
- Government Blogger Dennis Itumbi
- Barrister Miguna Miguna
- Activist Kasmuel McOure
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua had the following to say. “…Watu ya Gen Z ni wengi sana. Kama watu ya Gen Z ni wa Rigathi Gachagua, mimi ni mwanasiasa ako na umaarufu sana. Hakuna mwanasiasa yoyote Kenya hangetaka Gen Z wakuwe nyuma yake. Kama wanataka kunipea Gen Z wakuwe ni yangu nimekubali. Gen Z is a big force. Ukiwa na Gen Z utakuwa rais wa jamhuri ya Kenya asubuhi.” This was part of his remarks while being interviewed on Kenya News Media on September 30, 2024.
It is not a bad thing to make such claims. At an opportune time, the youth will perhaps reach a deliberate, non-sponsored, consensus on the right leader or candidates to back.
However, owing to the success the movement witnessed at a time when it was leaderless, wouldn’t it be wise to maintain it as such for now?
Share your thoughts with City Digest in the comments below.
