In an unusual move today, a huge generation Z group stormed the Nairobi CBD in the evening, chanting and marching to Uhuru Park for lighting of candles.
The unannounced meeting with the public left the Police unnoticed as they had anticipated a protest to happen on Tuesday.
Photos and videos of Kenyans on social media display the energetic people, most of who were singing and flaunting the Kenyan colors.
The perceived social climate was optimistic and serene as people shared their worries and hopes for the nation.
As showcased by this warm up event to the main protest scheduled for Tuesday, Kenyan youth are increasingly becoming politically assertive.
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Reactions on Twitter also pointed to the element of surprise and positive appreciation especially the involvement of the youth. Comment from user @Krepublics2_ said “We are who Ruto thinks he is, he’s not that guy for us” showing his discontent on current leaders.
Yet, another user @ Rhymaholic said, “Some people here on Twitter thought that without them, watu hawaezi andamana…,” an indication that the youth movement is strong.
The pre-determined hashtag #GenZForChange emerged within this conversation and showed the active social media engagement and potential voting power of Gen Z.
The event seems to be a memorial of the ‘lost comrades,’ a recent tragedy in socio-political struggle. With a larger one planned for this Tuesday in Nairobi, today’s estimates are a sign of a potential powerful youth movement for change.
Even the police who were deployed maintained a low profile but kept following the party as they marched to Uhuru Park.