NAIROBI, Kenya- For many Kenyan parents, seeing their GenZ children on the front lines of protests against the Financial Bill 2024 has been a startling revelation.
Meshack, a resident of the Lavington, a wealthy neighborhood in Nairobi, discovered his son’s participation in the protests through their family WhatsApp group.
“I was shocked,” Meshack confessed to Y News.
His 26-year-old son, who lives at home and enjoys a comfortable lifestyle supported by his parents, had joined the protests in Nairobi and vowed to continue attending future demonstrations.
“I didn’t even bother asking his whereabouts(on Thursday) because I believed he would never attend such a protest,” he said. “He had even purchased a protective gear that included a gas mask.”
Meshack’s son, who drives his own car and has most of his bills paid by his parents, represents a new wave of young Kenyans taking a stand against what they see as an unjust financial policy.
“These young kids are different. I am still shocked,” Meshack said, highlighting the generational shift in activism and awareness.
In Kenya, while protests are legally permitted, they are often violently disrupted by police, who sometimes use live bullets.
During Thursday’s protest in Nairobi, a 29-year-old man was shot dead by a plainclothes police officer.
Eyewitnesses reported that he was unarmed and posed no threat, underscoring the heavy-handed tactics often employed by the authorities.
Unlike previous protests typically led by the opposition, the current wave of anti-Financial Bill demonstrations is driven by young men and women who are organized, peaceful, and tech-savvy.
They use social media platforms like TikTok to mobilize and coordinate their efforts, bringing a fresh dynamic to the protest landscape.
Meshack’s concern for his son’s safety is shared by many other parents who have seen their children in photos and videos circulating on social media and news platforms.
The sight of their offspring standing up for justice has evoked a mix of pride and fear.
“I worry about what might happen to him during these protests,” Meshack admitted.
Viral videos have shown young protestors sharing their views with the media and police.
“We are here because of seeing our parents being overburdened by taxes. Our parents are suffering,” one of the protestors told an International media outlet.
The protests, which have garnered global attention, are set to continue as organizers plan more events to pressure the government.
According to a preliminary report by human rights organizations, 19 Counties out of the 47 in the country participated in the demos.
Tens of people were arrested and more than 200 others injured.
Despite the government’s insistence that additional funds are needed to resolve Kenya’s financial woes, critics argue that curbing corruption and wasteful spending should be the priority.
At the center of this controversy is President William Ruto, who faces accusations of extravagance, including frequent use of expensive private jets.
The changing faces of protestors in Kenya signal a significant shift in the nation’s socio-political fabric.
Traditionally, protests in Kenya have been dominated by older generations, often fueled by political affiliations and ethnic loyalties.
However, the recent wave of demonstrations against the Financial Bill 2024 is different. It is being spearheaded by a younger, more diverse group that transcends ethnic and political lines, focusing instead on common socio-economic grievances.
Moreover, these protests are marked by a remarkable level of digital activism. Platforms like TikTok, X, and Instagram have become powerful tools for mobilization, spreading awareness, and coordinating efforts.
These young activists are leveraging their tech-savviness to bypass traditional media channels, which are sometimes accused of bias or censorship.
Viral videos, live streams, and hashtags like #RejectFinanceBill2024 and #OccupyParliament have streamlined information dissemination, allowing real-time updates and fostering a sense of solidarity among protestors nationwide.
The involvement of tech-savvy youth has introduced innovative strategies in protest organization. From crowdfunding to support logistics, to using encrypted messaging apps for secure communication.
