The Cabinet Secretary for Defense Aden Duale has expressed his suspicion about the influence of Generation Z (Gen Z) on the current politics. Aden Duale's observations came amid growing political activism among young Kenyans, particularly on social media platforms like X.
"You cannot do a regime change through X space. I think the Gen Zs have been hijacked," Duale said.
He questioned the true nature of the so-called leaderless and tribe-less Gen Z movement by pointing out the involvement of prominent politicians.
"Are Boniface Mwangi, Babu Owino, Sifuna, Kalonzo Musyoka, Kioni, and Wamalwa Gen Z?" Duale asked.
While platforms like X have given young people a powerful voice and a means to organize, there is concern that their influence may be overstated or co-opted by older, more experienced politicians.
Boniface Mwangi, an activist known for his bold stance against corruption and impunity, Babu Owino, a controversial yet influential young legislator, Edwin Sifuna, the Secretary-General of the Orange Democratic Movement, and seasoned politicians like Kalonzo Musyoka, Kioni, and Wamalwa, have been vocal in their support for youth movements.
However, their involvement raises questions about the authenticity and independence of Gen Z activism.
Duale's statement implied that the involvement of these politicians could dilute the genuine aspirations of the younger generation, turning a potentially transformative movement into another arm of traditional political machinations.