Something out of the ordinary is happening in Kenya, and it involves Kenya Gen Zs and protests. Yes, Kenya has had several protests in the last two years alone, but what’s uncommon is the participants. They are calling it the Kenya Gen Z wave—a civic awakening that’s never been witnessed anywhere in the world before. Young people are raising their voices against poor governance. According to reports on social media, these protests are organic, without any influence from political parties.
This new wave is shaking the status quo in Kenya and sending shivers to the political class. It seems like the once-overlooked demographic (Kenya Gen Zs) simply got tired of typing on social media and took action to the streets.
Many are calling it a landmark event—and it is. Take a moment and imagine thousands of like-minded young individuals (Kenya Gen Zs) organizing themselves and successfully organizing peaceful protests in different corners of the country. I repeat, peaceful because there’s no single incident of violence reported from the protestors, no businesses were harmed, and no stones were pelted at law enforcement officers. But we can’t say the same about the Police.
So why are the Kenya Gen Zs and Millenials taking to the street? According to the protestors, the anger online that poured into the streets started over a controversial bill. Most of the protestors felt the rising cost of living would get worse if the bill, which has been accused of imposing hefty levies on Kenya, was passed into law.
The revolt started on major social media platforms like X and TikTok and spread into the streets. Based on the images and conversations online, these protests have united Kenyans from every demographic, converging their grievances.
Unlike other protests that featured machetes and stones, this new wave of protesters had smartphones and placards. They streamed their experiences online, creating mass euphoria like never before.
With banners and black T-shirts written ‘Occupy Parliament,’ ripped jeans, and funky hairdos, protestors turned out in all corners of the country, including Nairobi, Eldoret, Kisumu, Nakuru, Kisii, Nanyuki, Kilifi, Mombasa, Thika, and many other centers, to protest their dislike for the new bill.
Celebrities were among those who showed up to support the peaceful protests. Christened the Kenya Gen Zs, these youthful protestors say they are determined to turn their discontent with civic matters into action without harming anyone.
“We reject the entire Finance Bill, not just a part of it. Kenya is bigger than these politicians,” Comedian WololoTVofficial commented on X.
“Ukiskia, you need medical attention while demonstrating we have free medical consultations and open-air clinic hapa Jamia mosque,” @DimbilDon posted on X pledging support to the protestors.
In Eldoret the wheelbarrow is down!!#TakeDownTheWheelbarrow pic.twitter.com/wFN9eDzh60
— Alfred Keter🇰🇪 (@alfredarapketer) June 20, 2024