From Silence to Defiance: The Rise of Kenya’s Youth Movement

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I’ve always dreamed of leaving this country—the oppression, the hopelessness, the rampant corruption. But everything changed yesterday.
Fueled by a desire for more, for better, we are fighting for what past generations wouldn’t dare to. They lived in fear during the Nyayo era, but we are different. We are the children of Kibaki. Threats from Nabii don’t intimidate us; we’ve already rebelled against our strict upbringing. Fearlessness is ingrained in us, and that’s what we brought to the streets.
As I walked down Moi Avenue that Thursday morning, tear gas filled the air. I sneezed all the way to Kimathi Street, where I was to meet my friends.
Protesters surged from every corner, brandishing banners and wearing masks and bandanas. Some applied toothpaste under their eyes, hoping to counteract the acidity of the tear gas—a misguided belief, as we later found that baking soda and vinegar worked better.
We marched fearlessly, akin to House Stark charging into battle against House Lannister in Westeros, fueled by a desire to confront the injustice of the Finance Bill and the MPs who, allegedly, were bribed to betray the people.
“Gotha tena!” The crowd erupted as a tear gas canister was launched our way. The irritation reminded us of the government’s oppressive nature. We cried and coughed but pressed onward, chanting, “Tuko wengi, Ruto must go.” The tear gas was brutal.
At GPO, water cannons were unleashed, forcing us to seek refuge behind buildings as we were drenched in pink water. We joked, “Si wangeleta hata ya blue tukuwe na gender reveal basi?” Our fear had dissipated.
Never have I felt prouder of my generation. Never have I felt prouder to be Kenyan. We are ready to fight for our rights.
Indeed, the youth have awakened. History was made that day, and on June 25, we will rise again to #RejectFinanceBill2024 and honor Rex Kanyike Masai, who tragically lost his life at the hands of the law, armed only with his ID and phone.