What lies ahead for Gen Zs after 'pyrrhic' political gains and pains

Gen Z protesters match along Moi Avenue in Nairobi during anti-government demonstrations on July 23, 2024. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

In a move that shook the foundations of Kenyan politics a month ago, President William Ruto appeared to have bowed to the relentless pressure from Generation Z (Gen Z) demonstrators and sacked his Cabinet.

What began as widespread protests against a contentious finance Bill morphed into a powerful movement, forcing the President to not only retract the Bill but also dismiss his entire Cabinet. But now that the President has reconstituted his government, the question on everyone’s mind is: what next for Gen Z?

The origins of this political upheaval was triggered by unpopular tax proposals in the impugned Finance Act 2024/2025   which was perceived by many, especially the youth, as an onerous imposition that would further burden an already struggling population.

The proposed tax hikes were the last straw for a generation grappling with high unemployment rates, economic instability, and disillusionment with the political status quo.

Protests erupted across the country, led largely by Gen Z, whose organisation and digital prowess amplified their message far and wide.

The situation escalated tragically when several demonstrators were killed in confrontations with the police, igniting a nationwide outcry for justice and accountability.

Faced with mounting pressure and a rapidly growing movement, President Ruto made the stunning decision to not sign the Finance Bill 2024 into law and to dismiss Cabinet.

These actions, while seen as concessions to the demands of the youth, also signify a strategic retreat aimed at defusing the immediate crisis.

However, the Gen Z movement’s demands extend beyond these initial victories and many youth believe that they will not be relenting anytime soon adding that they will be sending the government packing as they term it as an incompetent one.

This comes at a time when the main opposition party, Orange Democratic Movement(ODM) has joined hands with the Kenya Kwanza government in a move that has seen them bag four cabinet slots leading to accusations that the politicians used Gen Z as an opportunity for them to get into the government.

Kimori Machoka, a Gen Z advocate, told the Standard the move by the government to join hands won’t water down Gen Zs role.

“The fact that the opposition and government are working together will not stop us anytime soon. The Gen-Zs have now become the new opposition. The eyes of the Gen Zs will now switch to Parliament as the newly nominated Cabinets awaits vetting by the National Assembly. The feeling is those who were appointed in the previous Cabinet and have been reappointed should not be approved by Parliament,” said Machoka.

Allan Odingo,  another youth leader, applauded the attempt by the President to heed to the cries of the youth. He, however, said it was not the end as Gen Z were now keen on how the vetting process in Parliament takes place.

"The nomination of the Cabinet is a step in the right direction but it is not the end. Our eyes are now on Parliament to see how the vetting process will happen and if there will be transparency in it,” said Odingo.

Njeru Kathangu, a veteran politician who was at the forefront of Kenya's second liberation in the 1990s, says Kenyans should not anticipate any changes from the President and the things that he has been doing are just a blindfold to Kenyans.

"Whatever Ruto is doing is just raising smokescreens, blindfolding us as if he is making real changes. He cannot do that,” said Kathangu.

On the future of Gen Zs, the former MP said youth constituted the largest portion of the population and needed to team up as their numbers cannot be ignored.

“For Gen Z, they must be confident and trust in their numbers because they are more than 75 per cent in this country. This number cannot be ignored socially, democratically, or economically. Their effort, energy, and strength are worth more than any government can offer,” he said

A group of ODM leader Raila Odinga’s sympathisers has, however, emerged to exonerate him from blame.

Calvince Okoth alias Gaucho, an ardent supporter of Odinga, denounced Gen Z’s rants.

To Gaucho, the Gen Z recognised no leader and therefore attacking Raila because the four ODM nominees to the Cabinet was uncalled for.

“The movement had no leader. Raila had no capacity to consult them on how to move forward,” Gaucho said.

Gen Z's ability to effect change through organised activism and unwavering commitment to their cause, however, offers a lesson in the potential of youth-led movements.