The events that have occurred in Kenya over the last two weeks have been more than just surprising. The Kenyan government was caught flat-footed by the power of its citizens to mobilise in large numbers to make their points heard and demand action. Attempting to nail it, they have blamed external interference by Russia, extremists groups like Al Shabaab and even, shockingly, the illuminati! On the other hand, Gen Zs and Millennials surprised themselves in the way that they turned up to the protests across the Country and the effect it has had both locally and internationally.
Parliamentarians were confident that Parliament was a fortress, it could not be breached. What awaited them was astonishment! Not only did the protesters get into parliament, but they also stole the mace (it is the symbol of royal authority and without it neither House can meet or pass laws), took selfies in the chambers, helped themselves to legislative cuisine and burnt sections of the house. Further bewilderment fell upon them as they received news that their business, houses and property in the villages had been besieged, destroyed and others burnt down.
It came as a surprise to the police that Kenyans can actually protest without throwing stones, destroying property or burning tyres. Feeling confused, misplaced and excessively over-dressed, they decided that they had not woken up early, come all this way and pumped up adrenaline for nothing. In a futile attempt to be relevant, they exploded teargas at peaceful protesters, sprayed water cannons, shot with both rubber and live bullets, and clobbered people up with batons. All this just because they could. It was tragic. As I write this, more than 23 people have died and scores injured.
Before the protests, pulpits had turned into stages for politicians to spew lies, peddle false hope, launder corrupt funds in the guise of charity and promote their own selfish agendas. For a moment, church leaders found themselves speechless as young people came after them for not speaking out against the government’s misbehaviour. After what I imagine were many consultations amongst themselves; and afraid of this movement they don’t understand; they pronounced themselves on the issue by issuing press statements, opening their doors to stranded protesters and for some, marching in the streets. I only hope they realised that the voice of the people is the voice of God!
Even though they do not admit it now, our parents thought the #RejectFinanceBill2024, #OccupyParliament, #RutoMustGo movement was childsplay. They have seen many protests than we have, but they were yet to see one that was leaderless, tribeless, classless, digital and, to a very large extent, peaceful. In their hearts they are thrilled by this movement because it makes reality ideas and wishes that only live in their minds. Most of them were also hearing Gen Z for the first time!
Opposition leaders who traditionally organise protests were nonplussed! It is a weird feeling when you and your friends are the one known for something then all of a sudden it happens spontaneously without your participation; but then everyone thinks is is you; yet this thing serves your interests; so you support it; which convinces the other people it is you; but you know for sure it is not you but you love it and it is all just so awesomely confusing! When the opposition is in bed with the majority in government, citizens then become the opposition, and they are far more dangerous.
Reflections on the #FinanceBill2024 Protests.
Civil Society was surprised because the prevailing narrative has been that young people are apathetic to politics and governance issues. Many tried to find a fine balance between encouraging young people to continue making their voices heard and not appearing anti-government.
Safaricom, the biggest mobile service provider in Kenya, was hit by several waves of surprisement. The most important wave is the competition that it is now going to face as young people consider other MSPs. Why? Because there is widespread perception that on a number of occasions, they deliberately interfered with the internet so that we could not tweet, outrightly undermining our constitutionally protected freedom of expression as well as access to information. In their statement, they blamed it on ‘outages on undersea cables’. It must have been surprising for them to hear the Communication Authority of Kenya saying it was not aware of any such thing. Either they were thrown under the bus, or their promise to be simple, transparent and honest is as empty as the words of our current elected representatives.
Everyone was taken by the president. First he unleashed the police unwarrantedly, remained silent, then appears in our televisions where he pours out his rage, proceeds to call his citizens criminals and promises hell upon them. Innocent people had died, but he showed no acknowledgement of this. Then, even before we all finish cursing after him, he withdrew the #FinanceBill2024. It had passed all stages in parliament amid the protests, and it was just about to become a reality upon His Excellency’s signature. For PR’s sake, it was a demonstration of a listening leader. However, it did not have to take protests, injuries and loss of innocent lives. Everyone cannot be wrong.
But perhaps the most gobsmacked is the President, Mr Ruto. His Deputy said “we were the darling of the Kenyan people” referring to the campaign period. But barely two years into his presidency, the masses, in numbers never seen before in this Country, are in the streets chanting “Ruto Must Go!”. Although bowed to pressure and declined to sign the #FinanceBill2024 which he authored, Kenyans are still going back to the streets to protest against his presidency. They sense his grudge – withdrawing the controversial Bill did not come from a pure place.
My advice to him all this time has been this: be empathetic to the people who you lead. Listen to us. Lean in to us. Negotiate with us. And while you do this, be ruthless with the greedy. At all times, choose our interests over all else.
If the current regime carries on as it is, then, in the words of Kenyans on X (KOX), “they will not believe”.
We move ahead as a National.We are the PEOPLE!!