Over the recent past, social media has been giving the government sleepless nights. Or is it?
Well, a good number of the youth have been reported missing, with some losing their lives, all because they shared something on social media, either on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook or TikTok, with the latest victim being Ndiangui Kinyagia, who went missing only for him to resurface on Thursday, July 3, 2025, with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) claiming that he was not under police custody for the 13 days he was missing.
His disappearance is linked to a post he made on social media. It came just days after Albert Ojwang’, a 31-year-old teacher and social media influencer, lost his life moments after being picked up from his father’s home in Homa Bay and moved all the way to Nairobi, where he met his death at Central Police Station, Nairobi.
All this happened because of a social media post that had reportedly been made by Ojwang’, which rubbed someone the wrong way.
The rise of TikTok politics
TikTok, once known for dance challenges and funny skits, has become an unexpected arena for civic education, activism, and raw political commentary. Young Kenyans — especially Gen Z — have transformed the platform into a virtual parliament, complete with motions, rebuttals, and very passionate “floor discussions” in the comment section.
Content creators like Nuru Okanga, Brian Mutinda, and countless lesser-known voices have become political influencers in their own right. Some break down complex policies like the Finance Bill in everyday Sheng. Others roast leaders in creative monologues or highlight issues through satire and storytelling.
And it works. The recent wave of anti-tax protests was largely organised and amplified through TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). Videos explaining why young people opposed the Finance Bill went viral overnight, often outperforming state-sponsored messaging on reach and impact.
Educating through entertainment
Some creators are now recognised as modern-day civic educators. They decode parliamentary bills, expose corruption, or even livestream budget readings with real-time explanations. With a healthy dose of sarcasm and music, these videos reach people who would never read a newspaper or attend a political forum.
While politicians are still trying to master the art of digital engagement, the audience has moved on. They don’t just want promises — they want punchy content, proof, and presence online.
And Gen Z is quick to call out performative acts or hypocrisy. Leaders who show up online without substance often find themselves “cooked” in the comments, and the results can be brutal.
Risk of state censorship
In June 2025, the government hinted at proposals to regulate digital activism, citing concerns over “national security” and “content moderation”. But critics fear this could be a backdoor attempt to silence dissenting voices online.
As it stands, TikTok remains both a blessing and a battleground — an open forum where freedom of expression, discontent, and creativity collide.
2027 voting
Whether the government likes it or not, the centre of political gravity is shifting. Young Kenyans are tired of being told their time will come — they’re seizing it now, one TikTok at a time.
Will this translate to more youth votes in 2027? Maybe. But even before ballots are cast, influence is being won — and lost — on screens across the country.
And in this new digital parliament, every scroll is a session, and every view is a vote.
Disclaimer: Views expressed in this article are the writer’s. They do not necessarily reflect the views of K24 Digital or Mediamax Network Limited.
