- In recent times, the events in Kenya have been more alarming and concerning than the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.
- It is heartbreaking to witness the state of our beloved country.
Can we please consider embracing constructive engagement in our country? It is not only possible, but it is also necessary for our nation's transformation and progress.
In recent times, the events in Kenya have been more alarming and concerning than the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.
Kenya is at a critical juncture where justice, peace, and accountability should be prioritized more than ever.
When the younger generation, particularly the youth in schools and those struggling to secure a source of livelihoods, started expressing their concerns after the president's notable trip to the US, many older generations dismissed them as clueless and blamed them for being swayed by politicians.
However, they have proven themselves to be informed, strategic, independent, and resilient. The historic events of June 25, 2024 shocked the entire nation, displaying a horrifying clash between agility and brutality. It is heartbreaking to witness the state of our beloved country.
Many individuals saw the signs leading up to these events, but they were ignored, dismissed, or wished away. This call for constructive engagement is not simply about the Gen Zs, as the media referred to the younger generations. This is about Kenya as a whole.
To better understand the significance of this moment, let's look at two parallel historical examples from South Africa and Somalia respectively.
On June 16, 1976, high school students in South Africa led protests against the introduction of Afrikaans as the medium of instruction in local schools and the discriminatory Bantu Education Act.
Initially, many Africans, politicians, and skeptics dismissed the Soweto uprising of black 16-year-old children as a joke. However, when the government responded with brutality, firing tear gas and live ammunition at protesting students, the situation escalated throughout the country.
The official count of 176 protesters killed severely understates the actual number. Despite the horrific violence, the revolt persisted for over a year until the government finally had to change its discriminatory policies and declared the day to be a national holiday.
But why did it take such atrocities and massacres before the government accepted the need for change? Could things have been different if there had been a genuine attempt at constructive engagement earlier?
On the other hand, according to Mohamed Haji Ingiriis in the African Affairs Journal, the invention of Al-Shabaab in Somalia can be traced back to a youth movement's attempt to restore Al-Itihaad in 2003.
This movement emerged as a response to the fallen country's lack of legitimacy after dictator Siad Barre's reign ended in 1991.
Remember, the name ‘Al-Shabaab’ is an Arabic term meaning ‘the Youth’, while the term ‘Taliban’ means ‘student’ in the indigenous Pashto language.
What started as a youth movement to save their country eventually turned violent and terroristic.
We are all aware of the havoc and loss of life caused by Al-Shabaab in both Somalia and Kenya. Is there a chance that things could have been different if the youth had been constructively engaged to prevent prolonged violence? This is a lesson we must learn about how unsolicited anger from the youth can be destructive to our nation.
From the two scenarios, we must have something to learn as a country.
My point is that the young people on the streets today are not a threat but an asset to our country. However, if they are continually mishandled, mistreated, or pushed to their limits, they can become a grave danger.
Violence is not the answer, and deploying the military and sophisticated weaponry will not bring peace. Throughout history, the most powerful nations and rulers have fallen to the will of the masses.
As some politicians often remind us, violence only begets more violence, and the state's violence against its citizens often leads to even more formidable and long-lasting revolts.
The solution is simple: justice and the assurance that justice will prevail. This assurance can only come through structured accountability and constructive engagement, not merely through superficial dialogue.
Dialogue can sometimes be manipulated to silence the voices of the powerless, perpetuating power imbalances.
Constructive engagement, on the other hand, recognizes and values the agency and importance of all voices, regardless of race, class, gender, or age.
It does not necessarily require physical meetings and all the logistical challenges they entail. It is about mutual respect, which can be achieved through listening attentively and having a genuine willingness to change the way our country is governed.
While I appeal to the young people to remain tolerant, calm, and strategic in their actions, I firmly believe that all the issues they have raised are genuine and demand urgent attention.
They do not have to sacrifice their lives for Kenya to enjoy the fruits of sovereignty. No, life is precious and must be protected at all cost.
Although we may witness some changes, such as the dissolution of the cabinet, more needs to be done to transform our political and economic systems.
At every level, from sub-locations to counties and the national government, the political elite must learn to engage constructively with the citizens they serve.
My sincere condolences to all the youth who lost lives and to the friends and families who are mourning!
Dr. Sam Oando is a Peace and Conflict Expert and Senior Consultant