Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has recently urged Kenya’s Generation Z to keep actively fighting for their rights, emphasizing the importance of youth in shaping the future of the country.
This call to action was made during the burial of his cousin, veteran rally driver Kibathi Muigai, on January 17, 2025.
Uhuru Kenyatta highlighted the need for the younger generation to be fearless in their pursuit of better governance and accountability, stating, “Gen Zs are the story of the future. Fight for your rights. Don’t stand and watch as your wealth is taken from you.”
He cautioned that if the youth do not fight for their rights, they should not complain when those rights are taken away.
This message comes in the context of recent protests by Kenyan youth, particularly Gen Z, against political and economic issues, including a push for better governance and rights protection.
The protests have been significant, with some turning tragic, leading to casualties and injuries.
Kenyatta’s comments reflect a broader sentiment of encouraging youth activism and participation in political discourse, particularly in light of the government’s response to these protests and the broader political climate.
The call for action from such a prominent figure has been seen as both incitement and advice by various commentators, highlighting the delicate balance between encouraging civic engagement and potentially stirring unrest.
Kenyatta’s endorsement of youth activism is set against a backdrop where political leaders have varied responses to protest movements, with some attempting to quell them while others seek to leverage them for political advantage.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta advises Gen-Z to fight for their rights……"sijui mumeogopeshwa" pic.twitter.com/YJRGCP6Wiq
— Bana TV (@banakenya) January 17, 2025