Towards the end of June 2024, Kenya was rocked by anti-government protests that were led by the youth.
Even though there was no clear leader to these protests, certain individuals emerged from these protests and they seemed to be coordinating the same online.
The Gen Z protests came as a result of online mobilization through social media platforms like TikTok, X, Facebook and WhatsApp.
The protests put pressure on the government to do away with the punitive Finance Bill, 2024 and after that, they started demanding the resignation of the entire leadership of the country. This was, however, unsuccessful.
While many youthful Kenyans participated in the Demos, only a few would go on to become the face of the protest.
They include;
Hanifa Adan
The journalist-turned-activist was actively mobilizing fellow youths to show up for the protests.
In most instances, she communicated designated meeting points and even raised funds for branded t-shirts. All this she did through her social media accounts, especially X.
She also opened an M-Changa account that aimed to raise funds to support protesters who were injured as well as families of those killed. While the initial target was Sh10 million, she raised over Sh31 million.
This placed her at the centre of the protests.
Kasmuel McOure
As the protests heated, another figure that became the face of it was the multitalented Kasmuel McOure.
With his unique style, going into the protest in suits, coupled with his oratory skills and mastery of the queen’s language, Kasmuel became one of the faces of the protests
In subsequent protests, he became a target of the authorities. He was also vocal on social media supporting the protests.
Shakira Wafula
She became the face of the protests after a video of her went viral as she confronted an armed police officer.
In videos circulated online, she was heard telling police officers, "I'm here for Kenyans, I'm here for my people, I'm here for your rights. Nitoe!! Nitoe baba! Sitoki!" she instructed the officer, who appeared frustrated.
She was standing along Cardinal Otunga Road after a heated moment between protesters and anti-riot police, who had lobbed tear gas canisters into the crowd.
Her courage is what astonished many Kenyans.
Jackson Kuria Kihara (Shakur the Cop)
Prison Warden Jackson Kuria Kihara is the only person working in the police service who joined the Gen Z protest in full police uniform.
His bravery was commended by many Kenyans.
He would later stage another protest outside the parliament building before he was arrested and interdicted.
Kebaso Morara
After the Gen Z protests, another lad emerged by the name Kebaso Morara who brought with him a new way of protesting.
He would visit projects launched by the President or any other officials and give video evidence of whether the projects were complete or not
This exposed the many stalled projects across the country, even after some had been commissioned more than once.
This saw him build a movement online that supports his course by contributing.
He is also engaged in civic education with the support of a
section of Kenyans.
