){kind=link}
In the past two months, it has been evident that in Kenya, a new wave of civil unrest has brewed with Generation Z (Gen Z) at the centre stage.
Tuesdays and Thursdays have been witnessing nation wide protests where the young demographic, known for their digital savvy and activism, has been at the forefront of recent demonstrations against the government.
The decision to hold weekly protests comes on the heels of successful demonstrations that led to the withdrawal of the contentious Finance Bill 2024 and the reshuffle of the cabinet secretaries. However, it appears that the youth are not satisfied with this victory and are determined to maintain pressure on the government to address other pressing issues.
Social media has been abuzz with the planned protests, with young Kenyans using platforms like X (Twitter) and TikTok to mobilize support and share information.
According to reports, these protests have no claimed leaders.
Today on X, the hashtag #OccupyJKIA has been on the trending on X where protesters announced they were going to march to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, a move which the authorities have condemned.
Similar hashtags have been trending across different social media platforms indicating a growing momentum behind the movement.
Acting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja earlier issued a stern warning to protesters, particularly those affiliated with the Gen Z movement, against attempting to occupy the airport. The warning comes ahead of planned demonstrations scheduled for today (Tuesday, July 23, 2024.)
Mr Kanja emphasized that JKIA is a protected area and unauthorized access is strictly prohibited under the Protected Areas Act. He cautioned protesters that any attempt to enter the airport will be met with the full force of the law.
The airport authority issues directive to the travellers to arrive four hours earlier before take off time as stringent security measures were put in place and security checks were expected to be lengthy. This comes after the social media notice ahead of the protest today and hashtag #OccupyJKIA trending on X.
The police boss urged protesters to exercise their right to peaceful assembly responsibly, emphasizing the importance of adhering to legal boundaries. He also expressed concerns about potential criminal elements infiltrating the demonstrations, calling for vigilance among protesters.
The warning follows a series of protests that have rocked the nation, with the youth playing a prominent role in demanding government accountability. While the government has made concessions, including the withdrawal of the Finance Bill, tensions remain high as the youth continue to press for further reforms.
The police have deployed additional officers to strategic locations in anticipation of the protests, with a focus on maintaining law and order while protecting critical infrastructure.
Protests erupted in Nairobi , Kenya’s capital city. Demonstrators flooded the streets of the central business district (CBD). They waved Kenyan flags, blew whistles, and chanted slogans demanding change. Their chants resonated with messages like “We’ve had enough!” and “President Ruto needs to step down!”
However, the anti-government protests weren’t universally supported. Another group, primarily consisting of boda bodas took to the streets as well. They voiced their support for the president, urging patience with chants like “Let’s give our president a chance!”