Gen Z protests caused by a clash of ideologies between young, the old

Youth during Gen Z protests in Nairobi. [File, Standard]

A year has passed since the Gen Z protests shook the nation, leading to tragic loss of lives. But even as the dust settles on this uprising that saw audacious young Kenyans occupy the streets, breach Parliament and other key institutions, including police stations, to express their anger against the Finance Bill 2024, a crucial question lingers: What was the true impact of this youthquake? And more importantly, was it merely a transient outburst or a harbinger of a deeper, ideological chasm between generations?

The recent quietude on the streets, despite the Finance Bill 2025 largely sidestepping the core concerns raised last year, was perplexing and begs the question: Were the demands met, or was the public’s focus cleverly diverted? The killing of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody, coinciding with the budget reading, steered public anger towards police brutality, overshadowing legislative developments. This strategic shift, whether deliberate or coincidental, highlights a critical vulnerability in public discourse and engagement. If fundamental grievances remain unaddressed, what comes next for a generation that has tasted its collective power? Are Gen Z’s expectations out of sync with reality, or are our leaders simply tone-deaf to a rapidly evolving populace?