The 2024 Gen Z demos are one of the most memorable protests in Kenya’s recent history, likened to the Saba Saba demos of the 1990s which greatly reshaped the history of Kenya.
Greatly anchored on the need for reforms and good governance, the demos have greatly reshaped the economic and political trajectory of the country, although at a cost, including the loss of lives.
According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), protests have led to 69 deaths, 627 arrests, many of them young demonstrators and 32 cases of enforced/involuntary disappearances.
The protests over economic hardships, the Finance Bill2024 and governance failures rekindled democratic engagement as well as exposed dangerous gaps in leadership, planning, and national cohesion.
The protests achieved a number of things including the withdrawal of the 2024/2025 Finance Bill, proving the potency of public pressure and protest as tools for accountability.
Also, the protests saw President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga sign a pact through their political parties to bring stability to the country. Among the issues that were agreed upon in the MoU include a 10-point commitment and resolutions to pursue and achieve to ensure a more cohesive and prosperous nation.
They include implementing the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, promoting inclusivity in governance and national development, protecting and strengthening devolution, and addressing Kenya’s debt crisis.
The MoU further promised to promote integrity in national leadership, eliminate wastage of public resources, win the war against corruption, safeguard the right to peaceful assembly, and uphold the rule of law and constitutionalism.
The demos also saw an awakaned nation, with the civil society, religious groups and online communities, which had been missing in action for a long time, join the fray.
As several quotas joined the action, the coversation shifted from the old tribal narrative to a new discourse of cost of living, youth unemployment, taxation, and police brutality.
Despite the tremendous gains, the demos also left a strain for some Kenyans. Police reported that over 270 people masquerading as protesters engaged in looting and attacks on civilians causing property damage, especially in Nairobi.
The demonstrations disrupted transport, trade, and tourism, consequently affecting investor confidence, with urban areas like Nairobi and Kisumu severely affected.
As a result of rage-driven protests, moderate voices were silenced.
Despite loud opposition, few institutional or legal reforms followed. The strategy yielded emotional victories but not enduring legislative gains.
Although it is considered one of the most successful demos in Kenya, without structure, it led to violence, repression, and national strain. It failed to deliver sustainable transformation or policy depth.
Francis Muli
Francis Muli is a passionate digital journalist with over seven years of experience in crafting compelling stories across various platforms. His major focus is in business, politics and current affairs. He brings a keen eye for detail and a commitment to uncovering the truth.
He has contributed to leading publications across the country.
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