In a pointed and impassioned address at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Tuesday, former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka issued a stark warning to President William Ruto: meet the demands of Generation Z or face the risk of being overthrown.
Kalonzo’s remarks come at a time of heightened political tension and increasing activism among Kenya’s youth. He emphasized that the government must take immediate action to address the issues that concern Gen Z, a demographic that is rapidly growing in influence and impatience.
The Rising Voice of Gen Z
Kalonzo cautioned that the younger generation, often dismissed as the “leaders of tomorrow,” is ready to assume leadership roles today. “If we are not careful, all of us will be thrown out by Gen Zs because they say they’ve come of age. They say they are the leaders of tomorrow, but we are leaders now. We can’t wish them away,” he asserted.
The former Vice President’s statement highlights a significant shift in the political landscape. Gen Z, defined broadly as those born from the late 1990s to early 2010s, is not just a future concern but a present force. They are increasingly vocal about their dissatisfaction with the status quo, particularly on issues such as unemployment, corruption, and police brutality.
NADCO Committee Recommendations
Kalonzo specifically urged President Ruto to implement the recommendations of the NADCO committee, underscoring the signing of the IEBC Bill into law as a crucial step. The NADCO committee’s recommendations are seen as essential for addressing some of the systemic issues that have long plagued the country and disproportionately affected young people.
He argued that press conferences and task forces, often used as stopgap measures to placate public dissent, would no longer suffice. Concrete action and policy changes are necessary to meet the legitimate demands of Gen Z.
Call for Police Accountability
In a significant part of his address, Kalonzo called for the resignation of the Inspector General of Police, Japhet Koome. He accused Koome of being responsible for the deaths of 42 unarmed protestors during the recent Gen Z protests that swept across the country. This accusation underscores the deep mistrust between the youth and law enforcement agencies, a divide that has been exacerbated by incidents of police violence.
A Political Crossroads
Kalonzo’s speech reflects a broader sentiment among many Kenyans who feel that the current leadership is out of touch with the needs and aspirations of the younger generation. The call to action is clear: address the demands of Gen Z or risk political upheaval.
The former Vice President’s warning to President Ruto is not just a political maneuver but a reflection of the urgent need for genuine engagement with the youth. As Kenya stands at this political crossroads, the response of its leaders will determine whether the nation can harness the potential of its young population or face increased instability.