Kenya Insights

Tag: Gen Z Protests

  • We’re Behind You, Uhuru Urges Gen-Zs To Keep Fighting For Their Rights‬

    We’re Behind You, Uhuru Urges Gen-Zs To Keep Fighting For Their Rights‬

    Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has urged the Kenyan youths to continue fighting for their rights.

    The former Head of State made the comment when he attended the burial of his cousin Kibathi Muigai on Friday, January 17, 2025.

    While addressing the congregation that cheered almost every word he uttered, Uhuru said the Kenyan youth, who have popularly been referred to as the Gen Z should continue fighting for their rights without surrender.

    “Shida ya watu siku hizi, sijui mumeogopeshwa. Ma Gen Z nyinyi ndio the story of the future. Fight for your rights bwana.

    “Sio kukaa hapo mali yenu ichukuliwe na nyinyi mumetolea jasho. Msikubali. Pambaneni muhakikishe mumepata haki yenu. Munasikia nyinyi? Sio kukaa kaa hapo tu.

    “Hakuna kitu inadumu. But everything is worth a fight for. If you do not fight for it ikienda mtu asilie. Msimame mpiganie haki yenu na mko na hawa watu ambao wamebaki na wako tayari kupigania haki yao, waungane pamoja nanyi. You cannot just stand there and let people take your hard-earned sweat,” Uhuru said.

    While urging Gen Z to continue with a fighting spirit, he suggested that he supports them even though he would not take an active role.

    “Dunia haiendi namna hio. Muwe watu ambao hawataogopa. Teteeni haki zenu sio kukaa kaa tu mnaogopa kuogopa sasa ni sisi. Sisi tutulie Nyinyi ndio mko na nguvu ya kupambana na hii watu. But we are behind you, muendelee namna hio,” he added.

    Govt under checks

    Uhuru’s comments come while the Kenya Kwanza government has been put under serious check by Gen Z.

    The government has been on a collision path with the youth since the youngsters rose to oppose the Finance Bill 2024, which was later dropped by President William Ruto amid serious public pressure.

  • Activist Bob Njagi Demands Justice After 32-Day Abduction

    Activist Bob Njagi Demands Justice After 32-Day Abduction

    Activist Bob Njagi bravely shared his harrowing experience of a 32-day abduction during an emotional press briefing in Kitengela.

    For the first time, he recounted the chilling details of his captivity, where he endured isolation, neglect, and fear.

    Njagi’s story highlights the growing concern over human rights violations and forced disappearances in Kenya.

    As he calls for justice and accountability, his ordeal sheds light on the urgent need for action against the rising tide of abductions targeting activists and innocent citizens alike.

    Activist Bob Njagi

    Chilling Details of Bob Njagi’s Abduction

    Njagi described his abduction in chilling detail. It began when masked men kidnapped him from a passenger vehicle on his way to Kitengela from Nairobi.

    “I was shoved out of the vehicle and forced into a white car while being assaulted with kicks and blows,” he said. Blindfolded and handcuffed, he endured a 30-minute drive in silence before reaching his destination.

    During his captivity, Njagi was confined in a dark room measuring just six by four feet, left handcuffed and blindfolded for two days.

    “I was on the floor with no food,” he recalled. He received minimal care, with one of his captors occasionally providing water. After two days, the handcuffs were moved to the front, and he was transferred to another dark room with a small mattress and blanket.

    “I stayed locked up for the next 30 days. I had minimal interaction, with only two daily visits from my captors,” Njagi explained.

    While he suffered in captivity, his family desperately searched for him, unaware of his location. His abductors shifted him between secret locations, isolating him from the outside world.

    Njagi’s release coincided suspiciously with the swearing-in of the new Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja.

    Demands for Justice and Accountability

    Despite his newfound freedom, Njagi’s ordeal raises serious questions. Who orchestrated his abduction? Why did it happen? He described his grim conditions, detailing how an officer provided him with a cup of tea each morning and replaced a waste bucket.

    Lunch was a meager meal, barely enough to sustain him. “I survived by the mercy of God. The food was unpalatable, but I forced myself to eat to stay alive,” he said.

    Njagi’s health deteriorated rapidly. He lost significant weight and suffered dehydration. “Once a week, I was blindfolded and led to a shower for just 10 minutes before returning to my cell,” he added.

    Now, Njagi plans to sue the state, demanding justice for himself and the victims of rising abductions across Kenya.

    “The government must compensate families who have lost loved ones to these unlawful disappearances,” he insisted. He also called for compensation for those affected during anti-government protests, stating, “I have forgiven those who harmed me, but justice must prevail for everyone.”

    Despite police intimidation during the press briefing, the FreeKenya Movement managed to hold their event in a different location. The movement’s Secretary General, Nichorus Oloo, condemned the targeting of human rights defenders. “The police must respect the constitutional rights of all citizens,” he said.

    Njagi’s account shines a light on the troubling trend of abductions in Kenya, urging the government to take immediate action against these violations.

  • Why Morara Kebaso Is Stepping Back From Activism

    Why Morara Kebaso Is Stepping Back From Activism

    Morara Kebaso, a well-known political activist, has announced a temporary retreat from activism to re-strategize amid mounting challenges.

    Frustrated by his followers’ lack of physical support during difficult times, Kebaso seeks to find new ways to mobilize loyal supporters.

    His decision follows recent police attacks and his arrest at the Bomas of Kenya during a public forum on the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

    As tensions rise, Kebaso’s break is a calculated pause to rethink his approach while navigating the increasing political pressure against him.

    Why Morara Kebaso Is Stepping Back From Activism
    Morara explained that he’s facing challenges that require solutions, prompting his decision to take a break. He noted that while many show support online, they fail to stand by him in times of trouble. [PHOTO: Courtesy]

    Morara Kebaso Discouraged By Growing Frustration

    Political activist Morara Kebaso has decided to take a break from his activism. He announced this decision on Wednesday, citing the need to re-strategize and address challenges that have affected his efforts.

    The break comes after facing increasing attacks and a lack of physical support from his followers when he faces trouble.

    Morara expressed frustration with the fact that while many of his supporters cheer him online, they fail to stand by him in moments of crisis.

    “Most of my supporters cheer me online, but when I am in trouble, they never show up. I need a new strategy to mobilize my loyal supporters to have my back whenever I am under attack,” he stated on X.

    The activist revealed that recent police attacks against him have become more strategic, making it harder for the public to take notice.

    He emphasized that while he continues to fight for Kenya, he expects Kenyans to fight for him as well. The break is meant to allow him time to develop a plan to garner that kind of loyalty and support.

    Arrest at Bomas of Kenya

    Morara’s decision to step back comes just days after his arrest at the Bomas of Kenya during a public forum on the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

    He was charged with creating a disturbance by uttering the words “kufa dereva kufa makanga,” which allegedly caused the public to react.

    Arrested from his office and detained at Lang’ata Police Station, Morara was later transferred to Hardy Police Station, where his lawyers successfully negotiated his release on bond.

    Morara is set to return to the police station on October 15 for arraignment. His lawyer, Cliff Ombeta, confirmed the release but made it clear that the legal battle is far from over.

    Morara’s arrest has sparked a political storm, with many questioning the government’s crackdown on activists. While he temporarily steps away, his decision signals a calculated pause to reassess his approach in the face of increasing political pressure.

  • Inside Ruto-Raila Plans to Overhaul Judiciary and Police Forces

    Inside Ruto-Raila Plans to Overhaul Judiciary and Police Forces

    In a significant development shaping Kenya’s political landscape, leaders from both the Ruto and Raila camps have unveiled ambitious plans to reform the country’s judiciary and police forces.

    This initiative comes against a backdrop of heightened public scrutiny and calls for transparency and accountability in law enforcement and judicial processes.

    The proposals put forth by Deputy President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga underpin their respective visions for Kenya’s future governance.

    Central to these plans is a commitment to addressing systemic challenges that have long plagued the judiciary and police, aiming to restore public trust and enhance the institutions’ effectiveness.

    Will Ruto-Raila Plans Address Key Issues Raised By Gen Z?

    In response to widespread protests by Gen Z and calls for dialogue from President William Ruto and Raila Odinga, the Kenyan Senate has put forward significant reforms.

    Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot and Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi presented these proposals to tackle corruption, government inefficiency, and unfair public appointments, which have fueled the unrest.

    They also address concerns about the lavish lifestyles of Kenya Kwanza leaders, high unemployment rates, and rising living costs in their motion titled “The Current State of the Nation.”

    Key Proposals vs Issues

    The Senate proposes a thorough plan to calm unrest and promote accountability.

    One main recommendation is urging the National Assembly to quickly review the presidential memorandum rejecting the Finance Bill 2024 completely.

    This legislative step is paired with a requirement for immediate cost-cutting measures across all government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as ordered by President Ruto.

    Additionally, the Senate stresses the importance of stronger actions by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and other agencies from various sectors to fight widespread corruption.

    Addressing Police Conduct and Public Concerns

    To address public concerns and maintain peaceful protests, the Senate has urged the National Police Service to stop abducting people, making illegal arrests, and carrying out extrajudicial killings.

    The directive emphasizes the need to handle demonstrators calmly and uphold their human rights.

    The Senate has also called for releasing promptly those detained during peaceful protests about passing the Finance Bill.

    To reduce the impact of protest violence, President Ruto and Raila’s team have suggested waiving hospital bills for the injured and covering funeral costs for those who died.

    Judicial Response and Conclusion

    Lastly, the Judiciary has been called upon to expedite all court cases linked to the Finance Bill and ensuing protests.

    This move aims to ensure swift justice and uphold the rule of law in resolving grievances.

    As these proposals unfold, their implementation will be crucial in shaping Kenya’s political landscape and meeting the demands of its youth demographic.

    Continued dialogue and collaboration among all stakeholders are essential to achieving lasting reforms and fostering a more stable socio-political environment for the future.