As 2024 began, I returned to Kenya, joining a fortunate few in the diaspora who could ring in the new year on Kenyan soil. Traveling through the country and reconnecting with family and friends, I sensed a palpable tension in the air, a discomfort that seemed woven into the fabric of daily life. Beneath the surface, a deep frustration simmered. High inflation and rising costs of essentials such as fuel, food, and internet services were straining family budgets, exacerbated by austerity measures imposed by the government in a bid to reduce national debt. Public anger and discontent were intensified by glaring wealth disparities, particularly visible in reports of lavish lifestyles enjoyed by government officials while ordinary Kenyans struggled to meet basic needs.
This perception of economic injustice was further amplified through social media platforms, which have become spaces for Kenyans to voice their frustrations. The gap between the ruling elite and the general public seemed insurmountable, with the online discourse often highlighting alleged misappropriations of public funds and the stark contrast between the privileged and the ordinary citizen. The strain of economic hardship was compounded by a complex web of political tension, deepened by allegations of government heavy-handedness. Reports from human rights organizations documented cases of arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and instances of police brutality, casting a shadow over Kenya’s institutions and creating a general sense of distrust toward government authorities. This atmosphere of discontent set the stage for what would become one of the most significant and transformative political movements in recent Kenyan history.
Gen Z Emerges as a Political Force
Midway through 2024, Kenya’s political landscape shifted dramatically, largely driven by a surge in activism from Generation Z. This movement took root as the Finance Bill 2024 was introduced—a piece of legislation proposing substantial tax increases on essential goods and services, from fuel to internet data to bank transactions. The government’s rationale was clear: these taxes were necessary to manage the mounting national debt and balance the budget. However, for many Kenyans, already strained by economic hardship, the proposed taxes were seen as punitive and excessive, sparking public outrage. The situation escalated quickly, with protests erupting across the country on June 18. The movement rapidly spread from Nairobi to other regions, fueled by a sense of collective frustration and catalyzed by a wave of digital mobilization that amplified the movement’s message.
What made these protests distinct was their leadership—Gen Z activists who broke away from Kenya’s traditional political frameworks. Instead, they relied on the power of digital platforms, from TikTok to X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, to organize, mobilize, and disseminate information. This digital activism allowed for decentralized, grassroots organization that didn’t rely on conventional political hierarchies or established leaders. As a result, the protests were more agile, adaptable, and inclusive, capturing the voice of Kenya’s youth and presenting a unified front that resonated across socioeconomic boundaries. These young activists were not just advocating against the Finance Bill; they were calling for a reimagining of Kenya’s political future, demanding systemic change and accountability.
The significance of these protests went beyond the specific grievances with the Finance Bill. They represented a generational shift in political engagement, a departure from the norms that had defined Kenyan politics for decades. Gen Z’s demands were clear: they wanted a new leadership approach that reflected their values, concerns, and aspirations. In particular, they called on veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga to step aside, allowing them to lead their own movement for change.
A New Generation’s Message to Raila Odinga
Raila Odinga, a towering figure in Kenya’s political landscape, has long been a symbol of opposition and reform. Over the years, he has led countless protests, championed democratic principles, and called for accountability from those in power. However, during these Gen Z-led protests, a new dynamic emerged. Many of the young activists voiced a desire for Odinga to allow them to spearhead this movement independently, a shift that signaled a broader generational change. For Kenya’s youth, Odinga represented an older political model—one that, despite its accomplishments, could not fully capture the urgency and perspectives of a new generation grappling with unprecedented social and economic challenges. One young protester’s words encapsulated this sentiment: “We respect your efforts, but now it’s our time to fight for our future.”
Odinga’s response was telling. Rather than resist this generational shift, he expressed pride in the youth-led movement, acknowledging the significance of their activism. This response marked a symbolic passing of the torch, an acknowledgment that the younger generation was not only ready but willing to take ownership of the political landscape. For many, this moment represented a turning point—a generational transition from traditional leadership to a new, digitally-empowered form of activism.
A Calculated Government Response
As the protests grew in intensity, President William Ruto responded in a manner that took many by surprise. In a move that signaled a willingness to address the protesters’ concerns, he dismissed nearly his entire cabinet and appointed a new one, incorporating four members of the opposition, including John Mbadi, a close ally of Odinga, as the new finance minister. Ruto’s reshuffle appeared to be an attempt at compromise, a signal that the government was open to reform and was willing to engage with opposition voices.
However, this strategy was not without controversy. Many young protesters viewed the cabinet reshuffle as an attempt to co-opt the opposition rather than a genuine move toward collaborative governance. For these activists, the inclusion of opposition members in the government blurred the lines between the ruling party and the opposition, raising concerns about the dilution of the opposition’s role as a check on executive power. By absorbing key opposition figures into the cabinet, the government risked undermining the independence and effectiveness of Kenya’s political opposition in the eyes of many. Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka echoed these concerns, urging Odinga to clarify his stance on recent abductions targeting youths involved in the protests, highlighting the need for a vigilant opposition voice.
This move by the government sparked a broader conversation about the implications of such alliances. Critics argued that by merging ruling and opposition factions, the government was eroding the country’s system of checks and balances, a system crucial for accountability and democratic governance. In essence, this blending of political roles raised questions about the integrity of Kenya’s democratic institutions and the future of its political opposition.
A Transformative Moment for Kenya’s Political Landscape
The Gen Z-led protests and the government’s response represent a significant moment in Kenya’s political evolution. This movement has done more than challenge a specific piece of legislation—it has highlighted the aspirations, frustrations, and demands of a younger generation that refuses to be marginalized or ignored. The collaboration between the government and opposition figures, particularly Odinga, has sparked intense debate over the future of Kenya’s political opposition and the role of youth in shaping the country’s governance.
For some, the integration of opposition figures into the government is a positive step toward national unity, reflecting a willingness to work across political divides for the common good. For others, it is a troubling indicator of a weakened opposition and a potential erosion of democratic accountability. This moment has forced Kenyans to confront a critical question: Can the country’s traditional political structures adapt to the demands of a rapidly changing society, or will new voices such as Morara Kebaso and new ideas reshape Kenya’s political future?
In the aftermath of these protests, Kenya stands at a crossroads. The Gen Z movement has underscored the importance of inclusive governance and highlighted the growing influence of digital activism in shaping political discourse. As Kenya navigates this new political terrain, the country’s leaders will need to find ways to engage with the aspirations of its youth and address the systemic challenges that have fueled discontent ahead of the 2027 general elections.
This moment in Kenya’s history is more than a fleeting political crisis; it is a call for transformation led by a generation that refuses to be intimidated and sidelined by the status quo. In the months and years to come, both the legacy of the opposition figures and these protests will likely be felt in every corner of Kenya’s political landscape as a new generation steps forward, determined to build a future that reflects their vision and values.