Kenyan Turmoil: Youth-Led Protests Against Finance Bill and Aftermath

In  the past one month, Kenya has witnessed an unprecedented wave of civil unrest led by Generation Z, protesting against a punitive finance bill that has sent shockwaves throughout the nation. This movement, marked by its intensity and the sheer scale of participation, underscores the frustrations of a generation grappling with economic hardships and a government perceived as out of touch with their needs.

The controversial finance bill, which has been criticized for its heavy taxation and economic burdens, sparked the initial wave of protests. For many young Kenyans, the bill represented a direct threat to their livelihoods and future prospects.

The protests, while initially peaceful, soon escalated, resulting in tragic losses of life where about 270 young people lost their lives, disruption of businesses, and vandalism, including setting ablaze and damaging the parts of the Parliament buildings.

Generation Z are people born between 1996 to 2010, are known for their tech-savviness and outspoken nature, who are quickly organized and mobilized. Their power in influencing people using social media played a critical role in uniting thousands of young Kenyans under a common cause.

The protests were not just about the finance bill but also a broader demand for systemic change and accountability from their leaders ,In response to the escalating unrest, President William Ruto took an unconventional step by engaging directly with the youth on X Space, formerly known as Twitter .

This move was seen as an attempt to quell the discontent and show solidarity with the younger generation where the young were given chance to express there grievances. However, the President’s actions did not stop there.

In a dramatic turn of events, President Ruto announced the dissolution of his cabinet, sparing only Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi,( the seat termed as unconstitutional)who was subsequently entrusted with overseeing all cabinet mandates. This drastic measure was seen as an effort to restore order and demonstrate a commitment to addressing the concerns raised by generation z

A week Later, during a national address, President Ruto unveiled the first batch of new cabinet secretaries, comprising 11 members, who are kithure kindiki for interior security , adani duale for Defence,Rabecca miano attorney general,soipan tuya for environment, Alice wahome for land and public work , Debora Mulongo for health, chirchir moved from ministry of energy to roads and transportation, Julius Ogamba for education,Andrew karanja for agriculture,Erick muriithi for water and Margret Ndung’u for ict.

While retaining six from the previous cabinet . This move has caused with mixed reactions. Many in the Gen Z movement viewing the retention of certain cabinet members, especially after their initial dismissal, as a betrayal. They had hoped for a complete overhaul and the appointment of competent and inclusive leaders who could address the nation’s pressing challenges.

The President’s decision to retain some cabinet secretaries has not only been seen as a betrayal by the youth but also as an assault on the constitution. Critics argue that reappointing individuals after their dismissal undermines the principles of accountability and transparency that are crucial for good governance.

These protests have laid bare the deep-seated frustrations and aspirations of Kenya’s younger generation. They demand not just economic reforms but also a government that genuinely represents and works for the people. The events of the past month have highlighted the significant gap between the government and its citizens, particularly the youth.

As Kenya grapples with the aftermath of these protests, it is clear that the government must take substantial steps to address the concerns of its young population. Engaging in genuine dialogue, implementing meaningful reforms, and ensuring transparency and accountability are crucial for restoring trust and stability with Gen Z protests have shown that the youth are not willing to remain passive observers but are ready to take to the streets and demand their rights.

The government’s response to these demands will shape the future of Kenya’s democracy and its social and economic landscape.as we look into the future, the next few months will be critical in determining whether the government can bridge the gap and build a more inclusive and responsive administration. For now, the message from Kenya’s youth is clear: they want change, and they are ready to for it.