Kenya’s political landscape has long been characterized by a struggle for democratic governance and accountability.
For years the country has witnessed street demonstrations led by former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga. However, the new Generation Z has taken the street demonstrations to a whole new level.
Kenya’s Finance Bill 2024 has enlisted different opinions from both the ruling elite and the citizens.
With the majority terming it a draconian Bill that seeks to add additional taxes and levies to Kenyans. Hence raising the living standards
While the millennials were only expressing their frustrations on X [Twitter], Gen Z took the social media platforms by fire to amplify their frustration with the Finance Bill 2024 and mobilize their peers for nationwide street demonstrations.
They had hashtags like ‘RejectFinance Bill 2024’, ‘ZakayoMustFall’ ‘Occupy Parliament,’ and ‘Occupy Churches’ trending on social media platforms.
This highlighted the power of digital activism in mobilizing support and advocating for better governance in Kenya.
Dr Fred Ogola, Founder of Linda Ugatuzi, terms the new wave of digital activism as a new era in activism in Africa.
“For a very long time, the Kenyan police and the corrupt ruling class were used to physical demonstrations which were easily thwarted by police extra-judicial killings and kidnappings. The traditional media space in Kenya were given a directive not to air street demonstrations but with the digital space, the Gen Z protesters live-streamed their clashes with officers using their smartphones. The protests were both physical and online, utilizing hashtags to update the entire country.”
He further pointed out that Gen Z has now realized that they have a huge role in ensuring the country is governed under the constitution.
“Gen Z demonstrated a new dawn in Kenya’s history by organizing street demonstrations across the country where these demos were not affiliated to any tribe or religion. This a clear indication that the baton has been passed to a new generation,” added Dr Ogola.
Despite the Kenyan Parliament passing the first reading of the Finance Bill 2024 last week, with 204 members voting in favour and 105 against, majority of Kenyans are not happy. Victor Medza a protestor in Nairobi described the members of parliament’s decision as selfish.
“Those who voted YES are our greatest enemies and we are going to ensure that in the next general elections, they are voted out, We are not stopping at all, we want the regime to know that unless our voices are heard, nothing will stop us and we are ready to die for our country,” said Medza.
While Gen Z street protests were peaceful, the police used live bullets, tear gas and water cannons to disperse them from the Central Business District in Nairobi.
This resulted in two deaths, casualties and over 300 youth arrested, with human rights organizations expressing concern about law enforcement’s use of force and calling for an investigation into alleged violations.
Social media apps like X, TikTok and Facebook were being used to share videos of people explaining the finance bill in various Kenyan dialects.
The Gen Z group also applied the use of hacking techniques and tools that enabled them to hack into government websites, disrupting services and drawing attention to their cause.
Kenya’s 2018 Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, which aims to curb online harassment and hate speech, has been criticized for stifling legitimate dissent.
The country has continued to struggle with the need to balance the right of free speech and national security.
Gen Z during the online demonstration were able to obtain personal information, such as the phone numbers of political leaders and senior government officials.
Alex Kinuthia, an independent IT expert in Nairobi,I believe it’s time the country amend the Cybercrime Act of 2018 because it has a conflict with the Free of Speech Right which is enshrined in the constitution.
Kinuthia “Kenya’s constitution and international human rights legislation safeguard the fundamental rights to freedom of expression, access to information and picketing which would be violated by internet shutdowns and information controls. By prohibiting citizens from engaging in public conversation and holding the government responsible, they subvert democratic processes.”
Government’s Directive to Shut Down Internet
Earlier on the government of Kenya had said that they would shut down the internet during the planned Gen Z street demonstrations and online mobilizations forums.
This was met with criticism from civil societies with over 20 non-governmental organizations terming a draconian move.
“We strongly urge the Kenyan government to refrain from enforcing any Internet shutdowns or information controls in response to the ongoing protests against the passage of the Finance Bill 2024 through the hashtag #RejectFinanceBill2024. Such measures would infringe on the fundamental rights and freedoms of Kenyans as well as negatively impact Kenya’s economy, democracy and reputation in the eyes of the international community,” reads the Joint Press statement.
The Joint Press Statement further stated that Kenya stands to incur economically, and Internet shutdowns would hinder emergency services and access to vital information during crises. They would also damage Kenya’s reputation as a hub for technology and innovation in East Africa, as well as Africa’s Silicon Savannah.The protestors defied the Cybercrime Act to leak Members of Parliament’s personal phone numbers on X.
This prompted the public to create a hashtag targeting the Members of Parliament dubbed the ‘YES VOTERS and WALL OF SHAME’ where they listed the number of MPs who voted for the Finance Bill 2024.
This prompted the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner to state the sharing of personal contacts on social media and issue a stern warning to that effect.
But telecommunication firms like Safaricom PLC also stated that they will not only shut down their internet services but will not comply with the government in sharing personal contacts of those Gen Z taking part in the street demonstrations unless it’s accompanied by a court order.
Experts also argue that the anonymity and ease of online engagement can lead to the proliferation of misinformation and negativity.
The echo chamber effect, where users are exposed primarily to opinions that confirm their existing beliefs, can exacerbate societal divisions.
The Arab Spring, a series of revolutions that swept across the Middle East and North Africa in 2010, serves as a potent example of the mobilising power of digital activism. Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter played a crucial role in organising protests and disseminating information. However, the uprisings also underscored the need for balancing national interests beyond simply expressing discontent.
In Kenya’s context, digital activism can be a powerful tool for holding leaders accountable, promoting transparency, and advocating for social justice. However, for it to be truly transformative, online movements must translate their virtual outrage into concrete action. This could involve voter education campaigns, community engagement initiatives, or partnerships with established NGOs.
The East Africa economic giant has a proud history of robust civic engagement. The fight for independence and the multi-party democracy movement are testaments to the power of collective action. Digital activism is simply the latest iteration of this spirit, leveraging the tools of the 21st century.
Protecting digital rights is not just about safeguarding free speech but about ensuring a level playing field for participation in the public sphere. An open and inclusive online environment allows diverse voices to be heard, fostering innovation and progress.
More importantly, the rise of digital activism presents both challenges and opportunities for Kenya. By harnessing its potential for positive change while safeguarding the right to free speech and national cohesion, Kenya can navigate this new era of civic engagement. This requires a commitment to digital literacy, responsible online journalism, open dialogue, and a shared vision for a more equitable.