Pauline Saumu speaks on harsh Gen Z treatment at the workplace
By Paulette Mboga, April 28, 2026Content creator Pauline Saumu, popularly known as Saumu Sauti, has spoken out about how young people are treated in workplaces, saying some face unfair treatment during interviews and at work.
She explained that a recent video of a Kenyan girl being bullied during an interview shows a bigger problem. She said such incidents reflect how Gen Z are sometimes handled by older colleagues.
“I have just seen a video of a Kenyan girl akiwa bullied because of going for an interview,” Pauline Saumu said on Monday, April 27, 2026.
She explained that the situation was troubling because the girl had simply gone for an opportunity. She said instead of being assessed fairly, the panel chose to treat her badly. She added that this kind of experience is not new to many young people.
“She just went for an interview, and the whole panel just decided to bully her,” Pauline Saumu said.
She said Gen Z often face negative treatment in workspaces because of their age. She explained that some older people may see them as threats or not take them seriously. She added that this creates tension and unfair conditions at work.
“Gen Z sometimes get bad treatment by older people at work, and it is because maybe we are younger or they think of us as threats or something,” Pauline Saumu said.
Workplace tension and experience
She also shared her own experience during an internship in Tanzania. She explained that she and others arrived late because they did not know how to change Tanzanian currency. She said they later met a woman they had not been introduced to during orientation.
“I remember this time I was an intern in Tanzania, and at that time we got so late because we did not know how to change the Tanzanian currency,” Pauline Saumu said.
She explained that the situation changed quickly after they greeted people at the workplace. She said two men greeted them, prompting a reaction from the woman. She added that the moment became tense without warning.
“Now that is where all hell broke loose,” Pauline Saumu said.
She said the woman began shouting at them in the office and questioned them harshly. She explained that the incident escalated and drew attention from others around. She added that the experience was difficult and unexpected.
“That woman alikua ana act kama mwendawazimu, she started shouting at us, asking if we think we are young and beautiful,” Pauline Saumu said.
She said the situation ended with their removal from the office. She explained that such experiences show the challenges young people can face early in their careers. She added that respect in workplaces remains important.