Preforming artist in memorial concert in Uhuru Park to honor young activists who died during recent protests was left in shock when thousands of Gen-Z protesters disrupted the event by chanting "Ruto must go!"
The event was supposed to be a solemn gathering to remember those who lost their lives fighting for change. But the peaceful atmosphere was shattered when the crowd suddenly started shouting the anti-government slogan.
Fatuma Abdallah, a mother who had been giving an emotional tribute, was visibly shocked by the sudden outburst.
"I don't understand what's happening," Abdallah said, her voice trembling. "This was supposed to be a day to remember the victims, not a political protest."
The performing artist who was scheduled to take the stage next was also caught off guard by the disruption.
"I just wanted to come and sing to honor the victims and bring some peace," the artist said. "I didn't expect this kind of chaos."
The chanting and unrest seemed to be a continuation of the ongoing political tensions in Kenya. Since President William Ruto was re-elected in 2023, the country has been rocked by widespread protests, with many accusing the government of voter suppression and fraud.
The Gen-Z movement, made up of young activists between the ages of 18 and 25, has been at the forefront of the resistance, organizing numerous demonstrations and calling for Ruto's resignation.
Today's incident at the memorial concert appears to be the latest expression of this political upheaval, as the Gen-Z protesters seized the opportunity to voice their continued opposition to the Ruto administration.
Security forces tried to intervene, but they struggled to control the surging crowd, many of whom refused to back down.
"We won't be silenced," one protester shouted, raising their fist defiantly. "Ruto's time is up, and we'll keep fighting until he's gone."
Faced with the escalating situation, the organizers were forced to cut the event short, leaving many in the audience disappointed and concerned about the political divisions tearing the country apart.
"This was supposed to be a day of unity and healing," Abdallah said, her face etched with a mix of sorrow and frustration. "But now it's just another battleground in the war for Kenya's future."