Youthful activists Wanjira Wanjiru says Gen Z push to have Ruto resign continues

Youthful activists Wanjira Wanjiru says Gen Z push to have Ruto resign continues

The political situation in Kenya has been tumultuous as youthful protesters have been demonstrating for better governance for the past month. The movement has brought a new generation of young Kenyans into the spotlight. Among them is Wanjira Wanjiru, a grassroots activist and co-founder of the Mathare Social Justice Center. Wanjiru, along with other young activists, is determined to fight against the misuse of power by the political class and security agencies. Though the battle for a corruption-free country that offers equal opportunities for all Kenyans is arduous, these young activists remain undeterred.

"When we lose our fear, they lose their power, and all sovereign power belongs to the people of Kenya," Wanjiru stated, encapsulating the spirit of the youthful protesters.

The Gen Z-led protests were mobilized across more than 35 counties, primarily through the power of social media. Their rallying cries, such as "Stop killing us," highlight the dire situation young Kenyans face. The activists accuse political leaders of corruption and mismanagement, damaging the economy and the lives of ordinary people. They demand better governance and adherence to the Constitution, criticizing the president for taking the country backward and ignoring their demands.

Despite heavy crackdowns, the protests have continued twice a week for a month. As of July 23rd, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reported that 60 people had died, 601 were injured, 66 abducted, and 1,376 arrested. Police violence is a significant issue, with incidents of police entering residential areas with tear gas, guns, and water cannons. Many young people, including Wanjiru, live in constant fear of abduction.

Wanjiru, whose background is in social organizing, is part of a group of sensitized youths from poor communities like Mathare. They believe Kenya cannot continue down its current path and demand change. Although the loss of lives during the protests is tragic, the young activists see it as a reason to persist. "We will not allow their death to be in vain," reiterated Wanjiru. They vow to honor the memory of those lost, ensure their families are compensated, and push for a country where people can protest without fear of violence.

Thursday saw another march to the Office of the President, demanding justice for the families of those killed and honoring their memory. Although disrupted by police and resulting in several arrests, the resolve of activists like Wanjira remains unbroken. The youth demand respect, sobriety, and substantial change from their government. As Wanjiru stated, "It must not be business as usual."

Keywords

• Grassroots Activist
• Mathare Social Justice Center
• Gen Z Protests
• Social Media Mobilization
• Corruption
• Poor Governance
• Police Violence
• Kenya National Commission on Human Rights
• Youth Activism

FAQ

Q: What is the main reason for the protests in Kenya?
A: The protesters, primarily young activists, are demonstrating against corruption, poor governance, and police violence. They demand better governance and adherence to the Constitution.

Q: Who is Wanjira Wanjiru?
A: Wanjira Wanjiru is a grassroots activist and co-founder of the Mathare Social Justice Center. She has been at the forefront of the protests demanding better governance in Kenya.

Q: How have the protests been organized?
A: The Gen Z-led protests have been organized mainly through the power of social media, allowing mobilization across more than 35 counties.

Q: What have been the consequences of the protests so far?
A: As reported by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights by July 23rd, the protests have resulted in 60 deaths, 601 injuries, 66 abductions, and 1,376 arrests.

Q: How are the activists responding to the violence and intimidation?
A: Despite facing violence and arrests, the activists remain undeterred. They are committed to honoring those who have lost their lives and continue to demand substantial change from the government.

Q: What are the activists' main demands?
A: The activists demand an end to corruption and poor governance and seek to establish a country where people can protest without fear of violence. They want a government that listens to and addresses their demands and adheres to the Constitution.