Embakasi East Member of Parliament (MP) Babu Owino took a moment on Mashujaa Day, October 20, 2024, to hail Kenya’s Gen Z for their fearless protests during the anti-government demonstrations in June 2024.
Babu praised the young generation as the true heroes of modern-day Kenya, having fought back against bad governance and the Finance Bill 2024.
In his heartwarming message, the lawmaker saluted the youth for their bold stand against corruption, poor governance, and what they saw as policies designed to empty their pockets.
He also offered words of comfort to the families who lost loved ones during the protests, recognizing their pain and loss.
“Today I celebrate the Gen Zs as heroes of this country. They came out and fought against impunity and corruption. They came out to rescue Kenyans from the yoke of poor leadership.
“They came out and were abducted and killed by the defunct government for fighting for their basic rights. To the families who lost their loved ones, may God grant you strength, courage, and wisdom to overcome,” Owino stated in his post.
The MP encouraged Kenyans to continue loving and supporting one another while also holding leaders accountable for their actions.
The protests, which were primarily led by Gen Z, emerged in response to the Finance Bill proposed by President William Ruto’s administration. The bill introduced higher taxes on essential items, including sanitary pads and housing, a move that many Kenyans felt would only add to the already high cost of living. The demonstrators voiced their concerns over economic hardships, corruption, and poor governance, demanding better leadership and accountability from the government.
Despite the peaceful nature of the initial protests, chaos ensued as tensions escalated. Several young protesters lost their lives in clashes with the security agencies.
Gen Z’s demos
The protests became a focal point of national discourse, not just because of their intensity but because of the unprecedented involvement of Kenya’s youth, particularly Gen Z.
For Gen Z, many of whom are young professionals, students, or recent graduates facing economic instability, the bill was viewed as an attack on their future. Unemployment rates among the youth were already high, and the proposed new taxes threatened to worsen their economic plight.
This cohort quickly mobilised on social media platforms like X, TikTok, and Instagram, where the hashtag #RejectFinanceBill2024 and #RutoMustGo trended for weeks. They shared real-time updates, organized protest locations, and called out the government.
What set the Gen Z uprising apart from previous protests was the innovative ways in which they expressed their discontent. The youth utilized memes, satire, and viral video clips to communicate their frustrations. Their creativity and use of humour attracted worldwide attention.
Despite the peaceful nature of many of the demonstrations, clashes between protesters and police were frequent. Tear gas and arrests became common occurrences, further fueling the determination of the youth. Unlike previous protest movements, this uprising was not just about economic grievances; it was about a generation that felt neglected and silenced by their leaders.
Their slogans and placards often went beyond the immediate issue of the Finance Bill, calling for broader reforms and accusing the political elite of being out of touch with the realities faced by ordinary Kenyans.
