The turbulence and instability that rocked Kenya over the past couple of weeks have propelled the country onto an uncharted path. The nationwide uprising, spearheaded by a diverse coalition of young people united by their shared disillusionment with the status quo, has shaken the nation’s leadership to its core.
Traditional methods of suppressing unrest, including tear gas, water cannons, and even live ammunition, have proven ineffective against the leaderless, faceless wave of anger and emotion. Even the military, called out of the barracks, appeared powerless against the fearless youth reveling in their newfound sense of power. At the height of the turmoil, elected parliamentarians were forced to flee for their lives as the determined youth, now mingling with opportunists and criminals, broke through police barriers and stormed Parliament.
The dust has not yet settled on this explosive moment, but when it does, we will either look back with profound gratitude to Generation Z for ushering in a new era or with deep regret for missing yet another golden opportunity to address the ticking time bomb we have long known about but ignored for decades.
In my view, President Ruto is not the villain; he is merely the current face of a corrupt, dishonest, and insensitive system that has long rewarded criminals and mocked justice and the rule of law. His regime represents a continuation of an outdated and flawed governance structure that has thrived on division, manipulation and impunity. Despite his good intentions, Ruto’s promises to meet the demands of Kenyans are insufficient. What Kenya needs is a reinvention, and this cannot be entrusted to the owners and beneficiaries of the old system.
The crisis the country faces is not merely about a finance bill; it is an eruption of discontent with the entire governance system. This pivotal moment is not a passing cloud. Attempting to sweep it under the carpet and return to business as usual would be a grave mistake, with potentially dire consequences. Now more than ever, Kenya needs a new breed of informed, servant leaders of integrity who understand the times we are living in. The question is: Will they step forward?
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