The Duplicity of the Kenyan Political Class: Gen Z and their Leaderless Uprising as the New Enemy

In a striking display of political theatre, Kenya’s political elite are rallying under the guise of dialogue to address the grievances of the youthful Gen Z protesters. Yet, the glaring absence of youth and women in the assembly photo reveals the deep-seated duplicity of these seasoned actors.

As the political heavyweights scramble to maintain their grip on power, the question looms: how does a political party speak to a partyless Gen Z? How does a tribal kingpin appeal to a tribeless majority?

The Political Alliance: An Act of Desperation

President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga, once fierce rivals, have now united in a move that reeks of political expediency.

This sudden alliance mirrors the “nusu mkate” (half bread) government formed in the aftermath of the 2007-2008 post-election violence, a coalition which both Ruto and his Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua had vehemently opposed, declaring it would only happen over their dead bodies.

And yet there they were, very much alive when they made the announcement, underscoring the fluidity of political promises in Kenya.

Gen Z's Impact: A New Political Reality

The Gen Z protests, characterised by their leaderless yet potent energy, have unnerved the political class. Kalonzo Musyoka’s ominous warning reflects the palpable fear among the politicians.

Kalonzo's words echo the sentiment expressed by Lee Njiru, former press secretary to President Moi, in his book President's Pressman: A Memoir: “If you go into the bush with your dog to hunt for foxes, jackals, and wolves, there is one fact that you should not lose sight of. That is, your dog, the jackal, and the wolves are cousins, and that you are the only outsider. There is a likelihood that these animals might gang up against you...They are political cousins and when one wins they all come to enjoy the trappings of power.”

The Youth's Rejection of Dialogue

The recent announcement of a six-day multi-sectoral dialogue forum, set to run from 15th to 20th July 2024, has met with swift and staunch rejection from the youth.

In a hard-hitting statement, the Gen Z movement accused Odinga of attempting to hijack their cause by siding with their oppressors. "Dear Raila Odinga, your decision today, to stand with our oppressors validated our choice of not wanting you involved in our protests from the beginning," the statement read.

The youth declared their unwavering commitment to their cause, stating, "We will not allow you to hijack our movement to satisfy your political greed. You do not speak for us and today you have shown that you stand with the thieves and killers. We will not be silenced. We will drain the swamp with you in it. This is not business as usual."

The Projections: Cosmetic Changes and Power Preservation

In a bid to placate the rising unrest, it is projected that the cabinet will be disbanded and reconstituted to include opposition candidates. Younger, but still establishment figures like Edwin Sifuna and Babu Owino might be ushered in as token representatives of the youth. Cosmetic job creation programmes will likely be launched and hyped, yet managed by the same old guard. These are not strategies to effect real change but merely to buy time and preserve the status quo.

The Old Script: Retaining Power at All Costs

The regrouping of Kenya’s political elite is a transparent attempt to safeguard their interests. The protest movement, devoid of centralised leadership and tribal or party affiliations, poses an unprecedented challenge to the traditional power structures. The elite's response—forming alliances and launching superficial programmes—is a well-worn script aimed at staving off immediate threats while they regroup and strategise.

The Way Forward: Genuine Engagement or Continued Deception?

The pressing issue remains: will Kenya’s political class engage in genuine dialogue with the Gen Z movement, or will they continue their deceptive tactics? The youth of Kenya, aware of the historical duplicity, are unlikely to be swayed by mere symbolic gestures. The sustainability of their movement hinges on maintaining pressure and demanding accountability beyond superficial changes.

The unfolding (in real time!) political landscape in Kenya underscores a critical juncture. The unity between Ruto and Odinga, borne out of necessity rather than genuine reform, highlights the enduring self-interest of Kenya's political elite.

As Gen Z continues to push for real change, the old guard’s duplicity will be tested. The youth’s resilience and vision, embodied by their leaderless yet powerful movement, could potentially redefine Kenya’s political future.

In light of these developments, the Kenyan populace and international observers will be keenly watching to see whether the political elite will adapt to the new realities or if they will continue to cling to old, ineffective strategies. The future of Kenyan democracy may well depend on the outcome.

References

1. Njiru, Lee. President's Pressman: A Memoir.
2. Omulo, Collins, and Cheruiyot, Kevin. "Return to Sender: Youth Reject Ruto-Raila Multi-Sectoral Dialogue." Nation Africa, 9 July 2024.