Activist Boniface Mwangi as a mark of respect for those killed during recent street protests, has called on Kenyans who cannot attend the maandamano on Tuesday, July 16 2024, to stay home.
Taking to his X account, Mwangi further requested the people who could not attend the protest to stand in solidarity with Gen Z and help advocate for a better Kenya.
“If you can’t take part in the protests, stay home in memory of the heroes we have lost in the peaceful protests, and in solidarity with the GenZs who are fighting for a better Kenya. #RutoMustGo,” Mwangi wrote.
Why protests are still ongoing
The protests against Kenya’s Finance Bill 2024 were initially triggered by young people unhappy with the way the country was run.
Over the past few weeks, there has been a nationwide uproar against dissatisfactory governance and mismanagement of power, thus a call for demonstrations.
Additionally, activists, celebrities and influencers joined the conversation across social media platforms regarding the youth-led protests.
In a glance at the online posts and various public conversations hosted on X Spaces, there are many reasons why the protests are on the rise again.
If you can’t take part in the protests, stay home in memory of the heroes we have lost in the peaceful protests, and in solidarity with the GenZs who are fighting for a better Kenya. #RutoMustGo pic.twitter.com/DhVJ0NYIN8
— The People’s Watchman (@bonifacemwangi) July 15, 2024
Gen Z’s demands
In various posters circulating online, Generation Zs have been urging a complete overhaul of the Kenya Kwanza administration.
After the Finance Bill 2024 was rejected, the youth made their first demand, requesting a cabinet reshuffle and the resignation of the Police IG Koome, which was accomplished.
Secondly, Gen Zs demanded the release of all those who had been arrested and those who had been abducted during the demonstrations.
The other demand was for the arrest of those police officers involved in the killings of protesters. Police conduct during the initial wave of protests is still under scrutiny, and Gen Zs are still calling for justice for those who were killed by police.
In addition, Gen Zs also demanded that ministries be reduced to 15 and have IEBC reconstituted in 30 days and with strict adherence to Chapter 6 of the Constitution.
Posters circulating online have quoted Article 1 of the Constitution which states in part: “All sovereign power belongs to the people of Kenya and shall be exercised only in accordance with this Constitution.”