Gen Z Revolt: Kenyan Edition

Article 37 of the Kenyan Constitution states that 'Every person has the right, peaceably and unarmed, to demonstrate, to picket, and to present public petitions to public authorities.' Kenyansthe, particularly the youth, Gen Z, exercised this democratic right recently through their anti-finance bill/anti-government revolts. 

Behind the Scenes 

The government tabled the Finance Bill in May, which introduced incredulously oppressive tax policies. This is from a government that openly displays its opulence to us. The plan was to raise an extra 2.7 Billion dollars to ease Kenya’s debt burden. This underhanded trick may have worked in 2023, but the already overtaxed Kenyans couldn't take any more.

Online, #RejectFinanceBill2024 trended for days on end, with plans being formulated on how to take a stance against the government on this active revolution. They took to the streets, armed with placards, and a burning desire to revolutionise their beloved country. In response, the government scraped some of the taxes off like increased VAT on essentials like bread and oil hoping to douse the flames of Gen Z, but it only served to incense them further, as in #rejectnotamend. 

The protests escalated especially on 25th June 2024, the last reading of the bill, which still passed. The protestors felt betrayed by the institution that was supposed to heed their plight, and consequently, #OccupyParliament was realized in full. Tragically, this resulted in casualties and grievous injuries as the police opened fire on the protesters they were supposed to protect. 

Government Response 

President Ruto finally conceded and rejected the bill in its entirety. In its stead, he signed an Appropriations Bill that employs austerity measures to curb wastage and bridge the deficit.  

Parting Shot 

Sovereign power belongs to the people. The Gen Z are fearless, tribeless, partyless, and leaderless. They changed the narrative of politically instigated protests and fought for what they believed was their right. They took back the power and held the leaders accountable. They've been hurt, abducted, tortured, and even killed. However, their voices are only getting louder. Honestly, they’ve triggered a lot more change in a month than what the Opposition has done in the past decade. Let the bloodshed in the fight against tyranny blotch out previous broken systems, and lay out a foundation upon which a government pays attention to its people. The future is here. 

@KRIS_T_IAN on X 

When I said this year I found love, I never thought it’d be love for my country. I’m so proud to be part of this generation, this revolution, this part of history

Aluta Continua ✊