By JULIUS MBALUTO
When Gen Z protests began, MPs were quick to dismiss them with derogatory epithets. First, Kenya's leader of Majority in Parliament Kimani Ichungwa, said,
"Those protesting in Nairobi, are holding iphones, they call themselves Gen Z, they come out of Uber taxis, they get in KFC and eat, they don't know what it means to lack electricity ".
Now he has changed his viewpoint and says, they are our children, they need to be listened to. He also said Gen Z has been a good example to all of us, they have demonstrated, we can unite on things that matter without our focus on tribalism.
During his support to the Finance Bill 2024, the MP for Dagoreti South , John Kiarie said Gen Z was not real and images of their protests circulating on social media were manipulated. He even alleged some of the images didn't originate from Kenya. Gen Z techno-savvy troops pounced on him on social media, causing him to trend by posting images of their protests and exposing him as a lying sycophant. He retreated and apologised.
“In the heat of the moment during the debate on the finance bill, my words were unnecessary, misguided and insensitive. I deeply regret my utterances and understand the anger and frustration that exists in our nation,” Kiarie stated.
For many years leaders have assumed that the Kenyan youth weren't focused on Politics. They could promise them anything, no matter how strange or unreal and get away with it. The political class assumed the youth and the masses didn't care that much about matters politics.
Gen Z has proved this thinking wrong. The youth are focused, they are educated, they understand politics, they know what it going on, they know their rights, they have read and analysed Finance Bill 2024 and their knowledge is being showcased on X, Instagram, Facebook and all other social media platforms. Their knowledge trickles down to their young sisters and brothers.
A new dawn in Kenya has started. Gen Z don't care tribes, Gen Z is the new Kenya. Gen Z has zero tolerance to corruption, impunity and lack of accountability. Gen Z wants a better Kenya for all.
