By Seliphar Machoni
In an unexpected turn of events, the Generation Z (Gen-Z) protests that once swept across
Kenya have been subdued by an unlikely political alliance between President William Ruto
and Opposition leader Raila Odinga.
What began as a series of intense demonstrations, culminating in the dramatic storming of
Parliament on June 25 has now given way to surprising calm. This shift followed President
Ruto's decision to overhaul his Cabinet and withdraw the controversial Finance Bill 2024,
which had sparked widespread youth anger.
In response to the protests, President Ruto made significant concessions. Among the most
critical was his decision to withdraw the highly contentious Finance Bill 2024, which
proposed new taxes seen by many as a direct assault on an already struggling population. The
withdrawal of the bill marked a major victory for the Gen-Z protesters who had fiercely
opposed it.
Ruto also took the unprecedented step of dismissing his entire Cabinet, a drastic measure
aimed at placating the enraged youth and signalling a fresh start for his administration. This
action was a clear acknowledgement of his government’s failure to address the concerns of
the country.
Additionally, Ruto made significant budget cuts, redirecting funds from areas perceived as
wasteful toward initiatives aimed at addressing youth unemployment and other pressing
socio-economic issues. This shift was widely seen as a direct response to the demands of the
protesters.
In contrast to the earlier tumultuous days, recent planned protests, such as
#OccupyStatehouse, #OccupyJKIA, and #NaneNane, have largely fizzled out with little to no
significant action. The streets that once teemed with angry demonstrators are now mostly
quiet, reflecting a notable shift in the approach of Gen-Z activists. Even President Ruto’s
strongholds in the Rift Valley—Eldoret, Kericho, Nakuru, and Kitale—were not spared from
the initial unrest.
Similarly, Raila’s political bases in Kisumu, Siaya, Migori, Homa Bay, and other counties,
including Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Kakamega, Bungoma, and Nairobi, were scenes of
significant turmoil. However, the intensity of these demonstrations has dramatically
decreased, largely due to the political deal brokered between Raila and Ruto, which resulted
in key Cabinet positions being given to four of Raila’s close allies.
Raila’s deputies in ODM, Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya, have joined the Cabinet,
along with ODM Chairman John Mbadi and National Assembly Majority Leader Opiyo
Wandayi. Additionally, Beatrice Askul, an ODM member, was also nominated to the
Cabinet, further solidifying the political détente between the two leaders.
Political scientist Peter Kagwanja believes that the Gen-Z protests have been undermined by
these recent appointments. “The protests have been quelled by the recent appointments from
the main opposition areas, and now the Gen-Zs in those areas are not participating, making
the initial coordination shaky,” Kagwanja says.
However, political analyst Herman Manyora argues that the Gen-Zs have not relented but are
only watching, warning that a bigger storm may be on the horizon. He criticized the
government for appointing the same old faces to the Cabinet. “The government hasn’t
listened to the Gen-Z demands, and so the storm is growing. They have only gone back to re-
strategize and will soon come out,” Manyora said.
Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo also contends that the Gen-Zs have not stopped their protests.
He noted that the recent #NaneNane protests did not materialize due to the massive
deployment of police officers who barricaded main entrances to the CBD. “The Gen-Zs have
not calmed down. It’s just that the police seem to have mastered the tactics used by the young
generation,” Maanzo said.
Evans Kimori, a Gen-Z advocate, believes that the Gen-Zs have been left in a state of
desperation, anxiety, and confusion. “There was energy and passion. But without a structured
approach and leadership, it was only a matter of time before the momentum was lost. We
lacked a unified voice,” he said.
