Gen Z redefines protest dynamics with 'Occupy parliament' movement

 An Mpesa account was set up to cover bail costs for those arrested, and advocates assisted with bail processing at various police stations.

Many protesters showed defiance in the face of police excesses, singing and chanting behind bars and in police trucks

Among those arrested were conveners and leading voices of the protest, including activist Boniface Mwangi, HAKI Africa Executive Director Hussein Khalid, Hanifa Farsafi, Njeri Migwi, and Wanjiru Njira, who is known for saying, “When we lose our fear, they lose their power.”

Mobilization and coordination for the protest were done on social media, defying the doubts of observers such as President Ruto’s Economic Advisor David Ndii, who downplayed the potency of digital activism.

Kenya’s Gen Zs, often accused of political detachment, leveraged platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok to spur engagement and push trends such as #OccupyParliament and #RejectFinanceBill2024 to raise awareness of their opposition to over taxation.

Some used funny skits, satirical songs, and poetry to convey their message.

A woman identified as Kanini shared a video asking opposition leader Raila Odinga to keep off the protests, saying, “We saw your efforts. We miss you but don’t come out. We will be out on your behalf.”

Raila replied to the video, which has garnered over one million views on TikTok, saying, “I’m a very proud father today! Hongera sana to the young lady and all those who bravely stood up for their rights!”

“Thou shall never take Gen-Z for granted. Does the pressure increase or decrease?” asked renowned activist and Busia Senator, Okiya Omtatah.