Young people's search for solutions an eye-opener to all Kenyans

Youth gathered at Nairobi's Uhuru Park for Saba Saba memorial concert in honour of victims who died during the anti-tax protests on July 7, 2024. [Samson Wire, Standard]

Kenya's Gen Z has captured local and global attention through its novelty in organising demonstrations. Its winning strategy was to go cyber, to remain 'leaderless', to out-think government officials, and to stress faith in constitutionalism. It sought to assist parents and grandparents from the prevailing scourge of fear that pushed the older generations into perpetual silence amidst blatant wrongdoing and bad policies. Members, cutting across class, religious, and regional/ethnic lines, saw themselves as 'revolutionaries' of attitude, forcing change in the official mindset. Disappointed in the way that officials, whether elected, appointed or even religious, handled public affairs, they decided to act.

They did not simply make demands, they struggled to avoid being reckless, despite provocation. They did this in different groupings, ranging from gathering in churches and university campuses to cyber spaces. Having read books that raised social consciousness, and having acquired technical skills in cyber operations, they turned combined knowledge and skill into an instrument of 'revolutionising' consciousness. Pointing out that President Ruto was a naked 'king', they became the centre of either admiration or envy from established politicians who would have wanted to get the credit for organising such effective demonstrations. Their proud parents, at times worried, gave them moral support.