Dear Ally,
How have you been?
Kenya has now witnessed 52 days of sustained mass action, petitions, and an outpouring of public outrage demanding a country that truly serves everyone, not just the privileged few.
This movement, led predominantly by Kenya’s Generation Z, marks a significant shift in the nation’s political and social landscape. It embodies a new era of Pan-Africanism, using digital technology, collective ownership, and grassroots efforts to confront systemic injustices and imagine a more inclusive future. Drawing inspiration from historical struggles like the Mau Mau Resistance, the movement challenges colonial legacies and reclaims the narrative of resistance.
However, as with any transformative action, the Gen Z movement faces its own set of challenges and criticisms. Building on my last two articles on the movement, I would like to reflect on these issues , and explore how we might address them collectively for the greater good.
Today’s article will be a long one, you may want to grab a glass of water and get comfortable!
Peaks of the Movement
Citizen Journalism and Digital Technologies: At the core of this movement’s success is its use of digital technology. Social media platforms, forums, and online tools have allowed Kenyans to rapidly share information, coordinate actions, and respond to state violence in real-time. While the state deployed guns, tear gas, and water cannons, protestors equipped themselves with phones, power banks, and even Wi-Fi routers to extend their networks. The revolution has indeed been ‘televised,’ highlighting how technology can empower grassroots movements and amplify voices globally.
Open Source Resources and Public Coordination: The movement’s commitment to transparency and collective problem-solving is evident through its use of open-source resources. From shared Google Drive folders containing social media assets to AI-powered chatbots that simplify complex legislative bills like the Finance Bill 2024, the innovation is remarkable. Crowdfunding for medical bills and creating public databases for missing persons are examples of how the movement has embraced openness and public coordination. These strategies are setting new standards for grassroots organising and community engagement.
Decentralised and ‘Leaderless’: The movement’s decentralised nature is a point of both strength and debate. While some individuals have emerged as prominent figures, there is a strong sentiment that formal leadership could lead to co-option. Instead, the movement thrives on the collective input of individuals from various backgrounds. This ‘leaderless’ approach helps prevent manipulation and disenfranchisement, allowing the movement to draw strength from diverse voices and perspectives.
Collective Ownership and Class Solidarity: A significant achievement of the Gen Z movement is its demonstration of collective ownership. Despite attempts by politicians to sow class divisions, Kenyans from various socio-economic backgrounds have united in their fight against bad governance and corruption. The solidarity among protestors, regardless of their social status, underscores the movement’s commitment to unity and social justice. The ability to transcend socio-economic barriers and stand together against a common foe is both inspiring and essential for the movement’s success.
Challenging Governance and Structural Issues: While the protests were initially sparked by the Finance Bill of 2024, the movement’s demands have broadened to address more systemic issues within governance. By spotlighting the deep-rooted failures in political and administrative systems, the movement is calling for greater accountability and transparency. This focus on governance is crucial, as it addresses the underlying issues that impact every aspect of Kenyan life, from public services to economic stability.
Pits of the Movement
Misogyny and Homophobia: Despite its progressive nature, the movement is not without its flaws. Issues of misogyny and homophobia have emerged, revealing the need for ongoing self-reflection and education. It’s disheartening to see these problems persist within a movement dedicated to justice. To maintain its integrity, the movement must actively address these challenges and ensure that it upholds the rights and dignity of every individual, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
State Violence and Systemic Oppression: The right to protest has been severely compromised, with reports of police violence and numerous casualties. As of 25th July 2024, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported 60 deaths and 66 missing persons from the protests. With new reports of missing protestors found dead, and yesterday’s violence at the #NaneNaneMarch, these numbers are definitely higher. This systemic oppression and targeted violence against activists underscore the need for resilience and protection within the movement. The brutal response from the state highlights the dangers faced by those on the frontlines and the importance of safeguarding the movement’s participants.
Exclusion and Class Disillusionment: Some communities remain marginalised and excluded from the movement due to limited access to technology, ability and resources including time due to competing life priorities. The movement must find ways to include these groups and ensure their voices are heard and represented. The disparate treatment of protestors from low-income neighborhoods, as evidenced by incidents like the Githurai Massacre, underscores the need for greater empathy and equitable safety measures. The movement must strive to include all voices and ensure that safety concerns are addressed, particularly for those in vulnerable situations.
Internalised Oppression and the ‘At Least’ Mentality: Internalised oppression continues to hinder progress. The ‘at least’ mentality—where minor improvements are accepted as sufficient—undermines the movement’s broader goals. Shifting from a ‘call-out’ culture to a more inclusive ‘call-in’ approach is crucial for fostering unity and achieving meaningful change. Recognising our shared struggles and working together to dismantle oppressive systems will be key to advancing the movement’s objectives.
State of Lawlessness and Leaderless Structure: The lack of a formal leadership structure has led to confusion and, at times, lawlessness within the movement. While decentralisation promotes inclusivity, it also presents challenges in maintaining order and accountability. Finding a balance between the decentralised nature and effective coordination is essential for the movement’s success. Establishing clear guidelines and processes for decision-making can help address issues of governance and coherence.
Moving Forward
As we navigate these complexities, it’s crucial to focus on several key areas to strengthen the movement:
Participate with Humility and a Teachable Spirit: Engage in activism and the movement with a humble and teachable spirit. Recognize that we represent the collective interests and address diverse needs and realities. Listening to and respecting different perspectives is essential for maintaining the movement’s integrity.
Get More Organised: While the leaderless structure has benefits, implementing democratic processes for decision-making can enhance coordination and accountability. Developing leadership structures and guidelines can help combat misinformation and protect against violence. Clear organizational frameworks will also build trust and ensure that the movement’s values are upheld.
Foster Inclusivity: Promote a ‘call-in’ culture that emphasises understanding and inclusion over shaming. Engage with diverse communities and address their needs and perspectives to strengthen the movement’s impact. Ensuring that marginalised voices are heard and represented is crucial for achieving comprehensive and lasting change.
Diversify Engagement Opportunities: Explore various tactics beyond traditional protests, such as digital campaigns, mutual aid projects, and political education. These methods can engage different segments of society and maintain momentum without solely relying on physical demonstrations. Strategic nonviolent resistance tactics, like civil disobedience and boycotts, can also be effective in advancing the movement’s goals.
Conclusion
As Kenya’s Gen Z movement continues to grow and evolve, it will inevitably encounter challenges related to infiltration and external influence. By establishing clear principles, strengthening internal cohesion, promoting independent decision-making, engaging in critical reflection, and building resilience, the movement can navigate these challenges while preserving its core values and autonomy. The Gen Z movement’s ability to manage external threats will be crucial for its long-term success. Balancing the benefits of external support with the need for independence and integrity will require careful navigation and robust strategies. By staying true to its principles and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability, the movement can continue to drive meaningful change and inspire a new era of activism in Kenya.
The Gen Z movement in Kenya stands at a pivotal moment. By centering marginalised voices, embracing true inclusivity, investing in continuous political education, and prioritising self-care, the movement can build a more resilient and effective force for change. Addressing these areas proactively will not only strengthen internal cohesion but also enhance the movement’s ability to navigate external challenges and achieve its transformative goals in the long term.
Updates from #BuildingInPublic
- Hosted my first session of the ‘How I Built This Workshop’ series on 30th July 2024. I shared the behind the scenes of Mutual Aid Kenya (MAK)- a grassroots disaster relief network that my friend Suhayl Omar and I founded in 2020 to respond to the impact of Covid-19 on low income communities and slums. If you missed the session, you can access the live session recording here and also download the Powerpoint presentation here. Accessing these free resources will require a small donation. This helps me to purchase the tools and platforms that make these materials available online for future participants. You’re not purchasing the resources but contributing to keeping these valuable resources online for others.
- On August 6th, I was contracted by the World YMCA, through YMCA USA, to facilitate a virtual session for their Emerging Global Leaders Initiative (EGLI) participants. The session aimed to prepare them for their visit to Kenya. The participants, all from the US, will attend the YMCA Accelerator Summit in October in Mombasa, Kenya. I had the opportunity to share insights on Kenya’s social, cultural, and political contexts to help them prepare for an enriching experience.
- I also participated in the #NaneNaneMarch yesterday alongside fellow Kenyans. While I am committed to public education, I believe that showing up to protests is equally important. I continue to exercise my rights through active participation in these demonstrations.
- Interested in learning more about campaigns and projects I've led? Join the waitlist for my next 'How I Built This Workshop' on August 29th, 8-9 pm EAT. It's a candid session offering practical insights into bringing past projects to life—no theory, just #BuildingInPublic. There's no cost to participate in the workshop.
I leave you with Wangari Maathai’s words - ‘It is the little things citizens do. That's what will make the difference.’
My little thing is public education and influence. I write and publish two newsletters—one on LinkedIn and this one here on email. I believe that many of you are civil society leaders, political figures, social and policy influencers, and dedicated citizens who find this information valuable for shaping your interventions and decisions.
What is your little thing?
Share with me by replying to this email, and support my little thing by sharing this link with your network or reposting it on LinkedIn. If you’re interested in sponsoring my next article or exploring collaboration, please email me at mwevyn@gmail.com.
Thank you for reading to the end, and as always, for being my Ally. Your support means everything!
With solidarity and hope,
Wevyn Muganda
