5 activists spearheading Gen-Z movement’s push for good governance

By Peter Ochieng

Described as a shrewd politician known for seamlessly overcoming political hurdles, real or perceived, President William Ruto currently seems cornered, perhaps for the first time in his 27-year political journey.

Minus the backing of his friend-turned foe, retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, Ruto was given a slim chance of winning the 2022 presidential contest. 

But against all odds, he did, at the expense of Azimio leader Raila Odinga, who enjoyed the support of ‘state machinery.’

“I was prayed into victory,” Ruto declared upon being declared winner of the presidential contest, by former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman Wanyonyi Wafula Chebukati.

About two years after assuming office, Ruto is facing the biggest hurdle of his presidency.

Youth, popularly known as millennials and Gen-Zs have been demonstrating against his government for a month now.

The protests started mid-June, in what was touted #Reject Finance Bill. The protests have since taken a new twist characterized by calls for good governance with #Occupy Parliament on June 25 when youth stormed the National Assembly, being the turning point for the Head of State.

In a month, Ruto has withdrawn the controversial Finance Bill, dissolved his cabinet and announced a host of austerity measures, all courtesy of the Gen-Z movement.

His tours around the country have been limited, adding to the fact that he has not travelled out of the country in over a month. 

The Gen-Zs say they are tribeless, leaderless and party-less. However, some individuals have stood out, by using their social media platforms to mobilize youth to come join the protests. Here is a list of five of them:

1. Gabriel Oguda

The social media activist and Daily Nation columnist is known for catchy phrases that have become signature tunes on social media.

He is the man behind “They will not believe,” and “We shall be there no matter what,” amongst others.

He was among tens of people arrested or abducted as the demonstrations reached fever pitch, before being set free after public outcry.

His sarcastic posts on X targeting the government make a good reading for most of his followers, owing to the number of reactions they normally attract.

“What is Isaac Mwaura saying on my TV which I bought with my own money?” paused Oguda on July 18 when government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura addressed the public. The post attracted over 400, 000 likes.

2. Boniface Mwangi

The photo journalist turned activist has been a human rights defender longer than retired President Uhuru Kenyatta was in office.

His activism started towards the tail end of Kenya’s 3rd President, the late Mwai Kibaki’s time in office.

It goes without saying that Mwangi may be the silent leader of the Gen-Z movement, because of his high degree of organization and calling comrades to order when needed.

He has been credited for urging protesters to leave Nairobi streets and go back home after 6pm, over claims that goons had infiltrated demonstrations.

Instead of taking the message positively, some demonstrators actually attacked him.

3. Hanifa

Hanifa, popularly known as Honey Farsafi is another journalist turned human rights crusader calling for better governance.

She is the one behind the mchanga initiative, where Kenyans continue to make contributions towards offsetting hospital and burial bills for young people injured or killed during protests.

Through the initiative, families have received as much as Sh1 million after relatives died or got injured.

“Do not tire. The path to social justice is thorny and exhausting because they will be fighting you with every means possible. Do not ever feel ashamed. If it gets too much, please take a break and if there’s a lot to lose for you, please exit quietly and gracefully,” she wrote recently.

4. Hussein Khalid

The Haki Africa Executive Director has literally been to every morgue holding bodies of those killed during protests.

“At the city mortuary, we were to perform autopsies of 3 families killed by shootings (2 from Kitengela and 1 from Mlollongo). We continue to be vigilant to ensure no evidence is lost,” Hussein shared recently, in what has become his daily venture since the protests began last month.

5. Boniface Akatch

Another Boniface on the list. The Kisumu based activist has been the face of protests in the Lakeside City, rallying Kenyans to turn out and push for their rights.

His activism journey has not been a walk in the park, having been abducted and left for the dead in Muhoroni after the 2022 general elections.