Kalonzo: Kenya’s Gen Z movement inspired changes in Bangladesh
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has attributed the wave of student-led protests in Bangladesh to the influence of Kenya’s Gen Z movement.
Kalonzo argues that the Gen Z-led protests in Kenya have gained global traction for their bold stand against corruption and misgovernance.
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Speaking during a live interview on a local TV station on the night of Wednesday, July 9, 2025, Kalonzo praised the Kenyan youth for sparking a global awakening, saying their actions have gone far beyond the country’s borders.
Kalonzo pointed out that while Sri Lanka’s political uprising had occurred earlier, the events in Bangladesh were directly influenced by the ongoing Kenyan protests, which began in June 2024 as opposition to the Finance Bill and have since evolved into a wider call for systemic change.
“The new push by the Gen Zs is amazing. It has even captured international attention; in fact, our youth movement here inspired the changes in Bangladesh. Sri Lanka happened a little earlier, but in Bangladesh, university students came out, and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had to flee by helicopter to India. Because the young people in Bangladesh were inspired by what the youth in Kenya are trying to do,” Kalonzo said.
Kalonzo on goons
The former vice president went ahead to accuse the government of trying to delegitimise the Gen Z movement by what he terms sponsoring goons to infiltrate the peaceful protests.
According to Kalonzo, the state has been sponsoring goons to make the young people look responsible for the mayhem and property destruction that is witnessed during the protests.
“Goons have become a new norm. Goons have been funded completely by the state to make the young people look responsible for the destruction,” Kalonzo said.
Ruto’s directive
Kalonzo’s claims come hours after President William Ruto distanced his administration from the goons, urging the opposition leaders making the accusations to identify the said sponsors and record statements at a police station to aid in investigations.
Ruto also directed the police to shoot on-site criminals who masquerade as protesters to burn and loot businesses and people’s property.
Speaking in Kilimani during the inspection of an ongoing police housing project, Ruto said police should only shoot them in the legs so they can be taken to the hospital and then charged for their criminal activities.
He insisted that Kenyans want a peaceful environment where they can do business.
