Kenya's Political Turmoil: Youth Movements and the Enduring Struggle for Change

In a nation often dominated by political maneuvering, spectacle, and betrayal, the youth-led protests in Kenya earlier this year stood out as a beacon of hope. Yet, this fleeting moment of rebellion against the establishment has become entangled in the very system it sought to challenge. The Rise of Gen Z Protests in Kenya Five months ago, Kenya witnessed unprecedented anti-tax and pro-good-governance protests led by the youth, particularly Gen Z. These leaderless uprisings in June and July 2024 inspired similar movements across Africa, signaling a possible shift in the continent’s political dynamics. However, the momentum has since been overshadowed by a seismic political development: the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi "Riggy G" Gachagua in October 2024. Charged with corruption, tribalism, and insubordination, Gachagua's removal has exposed the opportunism and infighting that characterize Kenyan politics. While his ouster is being described by some as a political lynching, others see it as a necessary measure against a kleptocrat who sought to marginalize regions that didn’t align with the ruling coalition. Nevertheless, the power struggle behind his downfall reveals a deeper pattern of intra-party conflict, ethnic politics, and personal vendettas. The Power Struggle Behind Gachagua's Fall At the heart of Gachagua's impeachment is a battle for dominance among politicians from his own Kikuyu ethnic group. This faction within the ruling party, resentful of his self-declared title as the Kikuyu "kingpin," leveraged internal disputes to sideline him. Their efforts, however, risk alienating their constituents by disrupting long-standing ethnic loyalties. Ironically, a portion of the opposition joined forces with the ruling party to secure Gachagua's removal. This cooperation stems from a political truce between President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga in late 2023. What began as a means to stabilize the nation after deadly anti-government protests evolved into a broader alliance. This paved the way for opposition loyalists to join the government and likely contributed to Gachagua’s downfall. A Distracted Nation and Unyielding Discontent While Gachagua’s impeachment dominated headlines, it also served as a convenient diversion from pressing issues such as the controversial Finance Bill, an opaque health insurance overhaul, and concerns about the privatization of public assets like Kenya’s main airport. Public outrage has not subsided, with many citizens adopting the slogan Kufa Makanga, Kufa Dereva! (“If the bus conductor dies, so must the driver”) to call for broader accountability, including the president’s resignation. The Role of Gen Z in Kenya's Political Evolution The Gen Z protests marked a pivotal moment, driven by socially conscious youth with no allegiance to traditional political factions. This movement emerged from earlier internet-driven activism, notably against femicide, and quickly gained traction due to its non-partisan nature. However, the government’s infiltration of protests with violent actors diminished public participation, while online infighting further weakened the movement's cohesion. Despite these setbacks, the Gen Z uprising highlighted the public’s disillusionment with Kenya’s "pornocracy"—a political system rife with opportunism and ethnic division. The protests forced the government to pause the Finance Bill and led to the resignation of the police chief who oversaw brutal crackdowns. A Shifting Political Landscape The fallout from Gachagua’s impeachment is reshaping Kenyan politics, with opposition factions forming unlikely alliances. Even Gachagua, once seen as a divisive figure, is recasting himself as a champion of youth causes. Meanwhile, disaffected voters and former disengaged citizens are re-entering the political arena with renewed vigor, determined to hold their leaders accountable. The Way Forward While the Gen Z movement’s long-term impact remains uncertain, its influence on Kenya’s political consciousness is undeniable. It has sparked a silent but profound shift, encouraging more Kenyans to scrutinize governance and demand accountability. Whether this awakening translates into meaningful change or fades into history as another unrealized uprising will depend on sustained public engagement and strategic action. The youth of Kenya have shown that even in the face of political betrayal, a movement rooted in shared values and resilience can ignite hope for a better future. Whether this hope materializes into lasting reform will be the true test of this generation's resolve.