"There's a new force of nature at hand, stirring all over the world. They are the young people whom, frankly, we have failed; who are angry; who are organised; who are capable of making a difference. They are a moral army, and the most important thing that we can do for them is to get the hell out of their way."– Harrison Ford
The Chosen Ones and Generational Curse-BreakersIn the annals of history, every era has its revolutionaries, those who rise against the tide of complacency and corruption to chart a new course for their societies.
Today, that mantle has been passed to Generation Z. With the power of social media, unprecedented access to information, and a fervent desire for justice, they are spearheading movements that promise to reshape the world as we know it. And nowhere is this more evident than in Kenya, where the #RejectFinanceBill2024 and #OccupyParliament protests have captivated a nation and sent shockwaves through the corridors of power.
Gen Z: The Vanguard of ChangeGeneration Z, born roughly between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, are digital natives. They have grown up in a world where the internet is ubiquitous, social media is a primary mode of communication, and global connectivity is a given.
Unlike previous generations, their activism is not constrained by geography or traditional media. They mobilise swiftly, share information at the speed of light, and rally around causes with a passion that is both inspiring and formidable.
In today's Kenya, this generational dynamism is on full display. They know what they want, and they want they want, and they want it now! And they are no respecters of persons.
The youth-led #RejectFinanceBill2024 and #OccupyParliament movements are not just protests; they are a clarion call for a more accountable, transparent, and equitable government. These young Kenyans are demanding that their leaders prioritise the needs of the people over self-serving financial decisions, exemplified by the controversial proposed tax hikes in the Finance Bill 2024.
McCain, infamously boasting about his technological ineptitude, failed to recognise the seismic shift occurring as Barack Obama leveraged the internet and social media to galvanise young voters, leading to an unprecedented victory. Similarly, Ruto's allies are showing a similar callous, condescending attitude towards Kenya’s youth.
Meet Abuga Makori, EGH, MBE, aka @abuga_makori, a diehard Ruto supporter on X, formerly known as Twitter. Yesterday, Makori belittled Gen Z, tweeting, "Gen Z is an overrated bunch of fellows. They know NOTHING about streets. 95% of these kids do not have voter cards. I work in an environment where we occasionally check voters' credentials. Out of 7,000 university and college students, only 400 VOTE. They are good in twerking." This unfortunate and dismissive faux pas, which Makori has since deleted (the internet never forgets, right?), exemplifies the ignorance and underestimation that could spell disaster for the entrenched political class.
A Global Perspective: Gen Z's Revolutionary Spirit
Kenya's youth-driven #RevolutionKE movement is part of a global pattern. Visual storyteller @wixx_mangutha captures the zeitgeist pithily:
Across the world, Gen Z is emerging as a potent force for change. From the climate strikes led by Greta Thunberg to the Black Lives Matter protests that surged across the United States not too long ago, this generation is not waiting for permission to change the world. They are taking the reins and demanding justice, equality, and sustainability. And the world is listening.
In Hong Kong, young protesters have faced off against one of the world's most formidable, most brutal, and most oppressive regimes, showing a level of organisation and resilience that has captured global attention. In the U.S., the March for Our Lives movement, sparked by the survivors of the Parkland school shooting, has reinvigorated the fight for gun control.
These movements share a common thread: they are driven by young people who are not afraid to confront the status quo and demand a better future.
The Kenyan Context: A Revolutionary ForceIn Kenya, the stakes have never been higher. The proposed Finance Bill 2024, which seeks to impose significant tax hikes, is seen by many as a direct attack on an already struggling populace. The youth, bearing the brunt of economic hardship and unemployment, have every reason to fight back. The #RejectFinanceBill2024 and #OccupyParliament protests are a manifestation of this frustration and a call to action.
Kenya's Gen Z is not just protesting; they are organising. And very devastatingly so. They are leveraging social media to mobilise, inform, and sustain their movement. They are rejecting the old narratives and demanding accountability. They are proving that they are not just "good in twerking," but are savvy, strategic, and determined to effect real change.
A Warning to the Political ClassHarrison Ford’s words ring true: "They are a moral army, and the most important thing that we can do for them is to get the hell out of their way." William Ruto and the political establishment would do well to heed this warning.
The tide of history is turning, and those who stand in its way do so at their peril. The youth of Kenya are not relenting; instead they are rising. They are the chosen ones, the generational curse-breakers, and they are about to change the world as we know it.
If Ruto and his supporters continue to underestimate Gen Z, they will face not just protests but a revolution. The internet never forgets, and neither does a generation determined to secure a better future.
The time for condescension and dismissiveness is over, Abuga Makori! It’s time to listen, to engage, and most importantly, to get out of Gen Z's way. Premium tears await those who do not.
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A Global Revolution Led by Gen Z
This article is not just about Kenya; it’s about a global phenomenon. Gen Z is leading a revolution, from the streets of Nairobi to the halls of power in Washington, D.C. They are challenging the old guard and demanding a world that is just, equitable, and sustainable. The political class must recognise this new force of nature and adapt, or face the consequences of their inaction and ignorance.
Kenya’s #RejectFinanceBill2024 and #OccupyParliament movements are just the beginning. The world is watching, and Gen Z is leading the way. William Ruto had better learn to get the hell out of their way, or the consequences will be much worse than being sent back to Sugoi.
BREAKING NEWS: Nairobi right now... And now, a message from the Law Society of Kenya:
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