In a fervor of civil demonstration, the youth of Kenya have been calling for what they’re referring to as the mother of all protests, as the President recently swore in a new cabinet. Their call embodies the pent-up frustration and vigour of the young generation of Kenyans, who yearn to be part of the decision-making process that shapes their nation.
The cry for large-scale demonstrations lies in the heart of the nation’s capital, trending across social media platforms, being embraced and shared by the young Kenyans. Despite the stirring political environment, the young population has remained diligent, ever willing to air its voice through one common denominator – a thirst for change.
When President Uhuru Kenyatta swore in his new cabinet, the youth took it as yet another symbol of the political status quo that bypasses the younger generation’s needs and representation. The majority of these appointed officials were re-elected incumbents and members of the older generation, underlining a continued lack of youth representation in top-tier government posts.
This renewed cabinet, from the youth’s perspective, echoes an unheeded demand for an inclusive government that addresses their interests, ideas, and innovation. Often, these are qualities that can drive a nation forward. It is the youth who are on the pulse of technological advancements, understanding the dynamics of changing global trends, and yet they are sidelined in the current political scenario.
Many have linked the outcry for the ‘mother of all protests’ to the tenacious spirit of the Kenyan youth, reflecting their resolute will to rewrite the future. Being the primary contributors to the job market and economy, the Kenyan youth have, in recent years, borne the brunt of the unemployment crisis, coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic’s economic impacts. Nonetheless, their calls for change extend beyond job security to broader social, economic, and political reforms.
Central to their call for protests is the demand for the new cabinet to create policies that encourage youth empowerment, curtail corruption, and promote sustainable and inclusive development. Their plea resonates with the need for a robust and transparent policy-making mechanism, which makes for more public participation, especially from the young demographic.
Social media serves as the primary platform for mobilizing these protests, with hashtags like #Youth4Change, #NewKenya, and #MotherofAllProtests gaining traction. The Kenyan youth are leveraging the power of social media to debunk the myth of being the “silent majority” – instead, they are becoming a vocal, visible force bringing their plight to the centerstage of political discussion.
However, as the cry for mass protests continues to reverberate, it comes with its own set of challenges. Amid the implementation of stringent laws and policies to regulate public assemblies and freedom of speech, the Kenyan government finds itself under scrutiny for its exaggerated show of force against protesters. Human rights activists are urging the government to ensure that the right to peaceful assembly is respected and state machinery isn’t used as a means to suppress dissent.
Beyond the call for mass protests, the story of Kenya’s youth is a tale of resilience and optimism, driven by the belief that their collective voice can effect tangible change. Their desire for a political milieu that reflects their needs and concerns stands as a beacon of hope for the nation’s future.
Collectively, the Kenyan youth have demonstrated their potential to drive change not just within Kenya, but as an example to young generations worldwide. Their audacious call for ‘mother of all protests’ is not just an outburst of pent-up frustrations, but a demand for inclusive governance, political accountability, and a nation that values the passion, innovation, and skills of its younger generation.
