Gen Z surprise: Too organised to stage protests without a leader

Members of Generation Z during special Saba Saba day prayers at Holy Family Basilica in Nairobi to commemorate the lost lives in the struggle to make Kenya a better country. [Denish Ochieng, Standard]

In the tumultuous arena of Kenyan politics, a new force has emerged, reshaping the landscape without traditional leadership hierarchies.

Despite that, Gen Z have appeared more organised than the country’s political parties famous for disorder and fights from within.

Generation Z, Kenya’s youngest adults born after 1996 and younger Millennials, have sparked a remarkable movement against the controversial Finance Bill, 2024, and other governance in general, demonstrating unprecedented organisational prowess and digital savvy.

What began as discontent on TikTok evolved into a nationwide revolt, showcasing the power of collective action driven by youthful determination and digital connectivity.

Generation Z has defied conventional wisdom by orchestrating a remarkably well-structured movement devoid of centralised leadership operating in physical offices.

Leveraging their digital fluency, they have established a communal fund, dubbed the “kitty,” pooling resources to cover everything from medical bills for injured comrades to logistics for widespread protests.

This financial solidarity underscores their commitment to mutual support and collective responsibility, illustrating a new paradigm of grassroots activism in Kenya.

One of the defining features of this movement is its inherent care for its members. Activists routinely visit hospitalised peers, providing both emotional solace and practical aid. They also organise blood donation drives for victims of protest-related violence, highlighting their profound sense of community and solidarity.

Kimori Evans, a youth leader, emphasised the generation’s strategic advantage in political mobilisation: “Gen Z has revolutionised digital mobilisation beyond previous generations’ imaginations,” he said.

Evans emphasised the movement’s decentralised structure as a strategic asset, challenging traditional political forces and urging the current administration to heed Gen Z’s distinct demands or face public disfavour.

The spark that ignited the dissent against the Finance Bill originated on TikTok, where grievances swiftly transformed into organised action.

Without conventional political affiliations, Generation Z harnessed platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) to disseminate informative videos explaining the implications of the Finance Bill in various Kenyan languages, ensuring broad outreach across diverse demographics.

Through hashtags such as #OccupyParliament and #RejectFinanceBill2024, Gen Z unified voices nationwide, garnering substantial domestic and international attention.

This digital battlefield not only mobilised support but also sustained momentum for the protests, demonstrating the transformative power of online activism in modern socio-political movements.

Crowdfunding via digital platforms played a pivotal role in sustaining the movement’s momentum. Contributions covered transportation costs, facilitating broader participation in protests within Nairobi’s Central Business District.

This financial backing was crucial in maintaining inclusivity and ensuring widespread engagement in the protests.

Gen Z activists deployed innovative tactics to amplify their cause. Cyber-attacks on government websites disrupted services, drawing attention to their grievances and showcasing their technical prowess and determination.

Additionally, leaking personal information, including political leaders’ phone numbers, enabled protesters to flood them with SMS and WhatsApp messages, compelling direct engagement and accountability.

Another strategic initiative was the creation of a digital “wall of shame” website listing politicians who supported the Finance Bill.

This tool of public accountability exerted pressure on lawmakers, prompting some constituents to initiate recall processes, underscoring the movement’s transformative impact on Kenya’s political dynamics. Beyond their digital strategies, Gen Z protesters exhibited exceptional solidarity and support for one another.

The regular hospital visits to injured comrades and blood donation drives exemplify their commitment to collective well-being and mutual aid. These acts of solidarity not only bolster morale but also fortify the movement’s unity and effectiveness.

Gen Z commemorates fallen comrades through solemn memorials and funeral attendances, offering solace to grieving families and ensuring the legacy of their sacrifices endures.

The leaderless structure of Gen Z’s movement proves to be its strength, enabling flexibility, adaptability, and resilience in the face of challenges. Without a single focal point, the movement thrives on inclusivity and shared ownership, ensuring all voices are heard and decisions are made collaboratively.

This inclusive approach has enhanced responsiveness and effectiveness, ensuring the movement resonates deeply with the diverse experiences and aspirations of its participants.

Generation Z’s unorthodox approach to activism redefines traditional paradigms of leadership and organisation.

Through digital prowess, mutual support, and unwavering solidarity, they are forging a path toward social change that is as compassionate as it is powerful.