How Gen Z have changed Kenya's political system

A protestor displays the Kenyan flag during anti-government demonstrations along Moi Avenue on July 16, 2024. [Kanyiri Wahito, Standard]

Political novices will easily dismiss the Gen Z movement, but a good student of politics and history will not miss the various contributions it has made to political development. The field of political development has gained massive momentum thanks to the Gen Z movement. 

After every storm, there is calmness. That does not mean the storm will disappear forever. In fact, the second, third, fourth, or even fifth storms will be heavier and more violent. During the period of political calmness, the ruling class is responding differently to the storm.

Political realignment is visible across the board. ODM is in a dilemma. It was strategic for Raila Odinga to join the government as Azimio, but as it stands, constituent parties have declined the offer. Therefore, Baba will definitely join the government as ODM. 

Still, it is risky for Baba to take ODM to the government instead of Azimio. Expect a legal battle as to the leadership of the houses (National Assembly and Senate). By joining the government, ODM will lose the minority share as they will have joined the majority side.

ODM will try to cling to minority positions even as they scramble for government positions as negotiated in their recent marriage. But with constituent parties declining to join ODM in that toxic marriage, ODM will be exposed.

It is, however, my argument that President William Ruto will use his powers to have ODM retain its minority share while enjoying government positions. This way, he will have control of the houses and government. 

Remember, the Gen Z movement is not included in these political arrangements. This is an arrangement of the political class. It is their wishful thinking that the Gen Zs will join them in their realignment efforts. Of course, Ruto will try to incorporate some Gen Zs into government in the hope that he will quell the rebellion.

On the other hand, Azimio coalition (devoid of ODM) will support the Gen Z movement from the shadows. Remember, Gen Zs are not looking for positions; they are advocating good governance, integrity, transparency, and accountability. 

The calmness of the storm won't last long. The forest is still the same, and obviously, the monkeys remain the same. Ruto is busy painting the leopard with the colour of the zebra and the cheetah with the colour of the deer. The Lion King is busy declaring itself a vegetarian.

Looking at the sky, the clouds are gathering, and the heavy rain will ponder in the forest. I am sure you understand what will happen to the paint. What a waste! This will mark the end of the calmness and the beginning of the second storm. 

I have seen people claim the Gen Z revolution has been successful. Nothing could be further from the truth. The success of the revolution will be declared when they change the current political leadership and governance and install a new government.

What you are witnessing is a struggle for revolution. The success of the revolution will be marked by a regime change. It might be before 2027 or in August 2027, but the fact remains: there is a call for a revolution, and there is an ongoing struggle to achieve the revolution.

-The writer is a professor at Multimedia University of Kenya