NAIROBI, Kenya- In the annals of Kenya’s history, the nation has witnessed numerous waves of protests—1992, 2005, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2023—each marked by passionate cries for change.
However, none of these political movements managed to orchestrate simultaneous, massive demonstrations in every major town across the country.
On Monday, Kenya stood at a remarkable juncture, where the Gen Z youth achieved what seemed impossible for their predecessors.
From Nairobi to Mombasa, Eldoret to Kisumu, Kakamega to Nyeri, and beyond, the voice of the youth reverberated in unison, echoing the call to reject the controversial Finance Bill 2024.
Famous lawyer Donald Kipkorir encapsulated this unprecedented movement with a powerful statement, recognizing the extraordinary coordination and energy of Gen Z.
“Only a madman will dismiss them,” Kipkorir declared, acknowledging the unmatched power and unity this generation has unleashed.
He pointed out that this youth-driven revolution channels a force that icons like Raila Odinga, Kenneth Matiba, Martin Shikuku, Charles Rubia, George Anyona, Kivutha Kibwana, and Willy Mutunga could not fully harness in their time.
The protest landscape on Monday is starkly different from any seen before.
As dawn broke, young protestors flooded the streets of Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret, Kisumu, Kakamega, Nyeri, Thika, Malindi, Kilifi, Ngong, Kitengela, Kisii, and many other towns.
The Gen Z movement has been described as a true revolution, transcending the traditional boundaries of political affiliations and societal divisions.
Their strategy is as diverse as it is powerful, utilizing social media platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) for mobilization, sharing real-time updates, and galvanizing national support.
This tech-savvy approach has enabled them to outmaneuver conventional suppression tactics, making it difficult for authorities to stifle their voices.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof Kindiki Kithure had promised that the police would allow peaceful protests.
However, this assurance was quickly shattered as Nairobi police lobbed teargas canisters at demonstrators the moment they began to gather.
Despite the heavy-handed response, the youth remain undeterred. Their resolve only strengthens as they face adversity, drawing more support from the public, who witness their struggle and the state’s oppressive measures.
In Nakuru and Eldoret, the scene is similar, with thousands of residents taking to the streets.
Members of Parliament, amidst this national upheaval, were seen voting to remove contentious amendments from the Finance Bill.
However, for the protestors, the legislative maneuvers are insufficient.
