The Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya has hailed the Gen Z push for accountability as a historic turning point for Kenya, urging the nation’s leadership to abandon divisive tribal politics and embrace a new era of accountability and reform.
In a statement issued on his X official account Thursday, June 26, 2025, Salasya described the youth-led protests sweeping across the country as a wake-up call to the political class and a signal that Kenyans, particularly the younger generation, are ready to move beyond ethnic divisions that have plagued the nation’s politics for decades.
“If there’s one lesson we must learn from the Gen Z-led demonstrations of this year and the last, it’s this: Kenya has outgrown the tribal politics that have defined us for far too long,” Salasya said.
For years, Kenya’s political landscape has been dominated by leaders who rally support based on ethnic affiliations. Salasya condemned this legacy, saying it has been used to divide and distract citizens from the real issues affecting their lives.
“Our leaders have appealed to us based on ethnicity, dividing us, distracting us, and manipulating us. But now, a new generation is rising. A generation that refuses to be boxed in by tribe, region, or political allegiance,” he declared.
The MP lauded the courage and unity of young protestors who have poured into the streets in recent weeks, demanding justice, economic reforms, and transparent governance. These demonstrations have drawn support from Kenyans across all communities, showcasing what Salasya described as a generation united by purpose.
“They are not chanting tribal slogans or pledging loyalty to political demagogues. No. They are demanding accountability, calling for a working economy, and insisting on the implementation of policies that serve all Kenyans,” he emphasized.
Calling the demonstrators Gen Z warriors, Salasya portrayed them as the torchbearers of Kenya’s economic and political liberation.
“These Gen Z warriors are fighting for economic liberation, for justice, for freedom, and for a future they can believe in,” he said.
In a passionate appeal, Salasya urged Kenyans from all walks of life to embrace the youth’s message and make it a foundation for national discourse going forward.
“Let the issues Gen Z is raising today become our rallying call. Let our national discourse shift away from identity politics and toward real solutions,” he said.
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Salasya’s suggestions
He outlined key areas for urgent reform, including tackling youth unemployment, overhauling the education system, and ensuring good governance.
“Let us confront youth unemployment head-on. Let us overhaul our broken education system. Let us ensure our governance is transparent, accountable, and inclusive,” he urged.
Salasya also expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives during the protests and praised the unity displayed by demonstrators across the country.
“Today, we mourn the young lives lost and the many more injured men and women who stood shoulder to shoulder, as brothers and sisters, to fight for the soul of our nation,” he said.
Directing his words to the political class, the legislator issued a stern warning: failure to heed the voices of the youth could have dire consequences for the country’s future.
“To the leaders of this great nation: Wake up. The youth have spoken. Kenya is at a crossroads, and if we do not listen, if we fail to act, we risk losing our country. Worse still, we risk damning an entire generation,” Salasya warned.
“May this be the moment we finally choose unity over division, courage over silence, and progress over stagnation.”
