Newton’s Third Law, Karma, and the Gen Z Uprising: How Kenya’s Youth Forced Arrogant, Obdurate, and Intransigent President Ruto to His Knees

Imagine the scene: a nation’s leader, once over-confident and unyielding, dripping braggadocio from all orifices, now scrambling to hold onto power amidst an unprecedented uprising. The energy and fervour of a generation offhandedly dismissed as "treasonous criminals" by their own president have reshaped the political landscape in a way few Kenyans will likely ever forget in their lifetimes. The story of Kenya’s Gen Z protests is one of remarkable resilience and a testament to the power of collective action.

To fully grasp the gravity of this moment, let’s start with a metaphor. Newton’s third law states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

This principle, while rooted in physics, can be metaphorically applied to the concept of karma. Karma, a central tenet in various spiritual and philosophical traditions, posits that the moral quality of one’s actions determines their future experiences. In other words, what you put into the world will eventually come back to you. In more familiar African terms, what you sow, so shall you reap.

The Seeds of Discontent

President William Ruto, much like a leader steering a ship through turbulent waters, found himself at the helm of a nation grappling with economic instability, corruption, and social inequality. His dismissive attitude towards Kenya’s youth only added fuel to the fire. He and his cronies and advisors derisively labeled the Gen Z protesters as "digital wankers," "posh protesters who stop at Java for coffee and sandwiches," and worse. This gross underestimation of their resolve would prove to be one of the greatest political miscalculations in Kenya’s history.

The seeds of discontent had been sown long before the first protest. Rising unemployment, systemic corruption, a sense of political disenfranchisement, and general economic and political mismanagement had left Kenya’s youth feeling both marginalised and voiceless.

The spark came in the form of a series of miscalculated and unpopular policy decisions by Ruto’s administration, which many saw as prioritising the elite over the needs of ordinary Kenyans.

The Protests Begin

The protests began as a trickle but soon swelled into a torrent, and then a waterfall. What started as a few scattered demonstrations quickly grew into a nationwide movement. Social media played a crucial role, with platforms like Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram becoming the battlegrounds for organising and disseminating information. Despite being belittled by the government, these "digital wankers" proved to be master strategists, leveraging their technological savvy to coordinate protests and amplify their message.

The streets of Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu became theatres of defiance. Gen Zs, undeterred by the derogatory labels, took to the streets in droves. They were young, they were angry, and they were determined. Their placards carried messages of hope, justice, and a demand for change. They danced, sang, and yes, some even twerked – turning their protests into vibrant, dynamic expressions of dissent.

The Turning Point

The turning point came when the protests began to gain international attention. News outlets from around the world picked up the story of Kenya’s youth uprising. The images of young Kenyans facing off against riot police, the stories of their determination and resilience, captured the global imagination. Pressure began to mount on Ruto from within and outside the country.

Amidst the growing unrest, it became clear that the status quo could not hold. The final straw was the revelation of widespread corruption within Ruto’s cabinet.

Public outrage reached a fever pitch. In an unprecedented move, President Ruto was forced first to withdraw the contentious Finance Bill 2024, the ground zero for the protests, and then to fire his entire Cabinet in a desperate bid to quell the protests.

Two monumental humiliations on just two weeks. But the Gen Z were not done with the president, not by a longshot.

The Fallout

Newton’s third law in action – the arrogance, obduracy, and intransigence of Ruto’s administration had met its equal and opposite reaction in the form of a relentless, youthful uprising. The karmic balance had been restored. The energy that Ruto and his government had put into dismissing and belittling the youth had come back to them tenfold.

But the Gen Zs are not content with this partial victory. They demand more. Their sights are set on Ruto himself. Calls for his resignation or abdication grow louder. The movement had gained a momentum of its own, and it is clear that the youth will not rest until real, substantive change had been achieved.

A New Dawn

The broader significance of this movement cannot be overstated. It marks a seismic shift in Kenya’s political landscape. The Gen Z protests have demonstrated the power of collective action and the importance of holding leaders accountable. They have shown that even the most entrenched political structures can be challenged and reshaped by a determined populace.

Moreover, this movement has far-reaching implications for the Kenyan economy. By forcing a reckoning with corruption and demanding greater transparency, the youth have set the stage for a more equitable and just economic system. Their actions have highlighted the critical role of young people in shaping the future of the nation.

The story of Kenya’s Gen Z uprising is a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of actions and consequences. Just as Newton’s third law emphasises the inevitability of equal and opposite reactions in the physical world, the principle of karma underscores the moral balance in our actions. President Ruto’s downfall is a testament to this universal truth.

The energy and determination of Kenya’s youth have reshaped the nation’s political landscape, proving that real change is possible when people come together with a common purpose.

As we look to the future, the lessons of this movement will continue to resonate, inspiring new generations to stand up for justice and accountability.