A new wave of protest swept through Nairobi, Kenya, this week. Unlike previous demonstrations, this one was driven by young people, digitally connected and determined to be heard.
The movement, dubbed “Occupy Parliament,” began online with Kenyans expressing outrage over proposed high taxes in the Finance Bill 2024. The hashtag #OccupyParliament gained traction especially among Gen Z, the generation born roughly between the mid-1990s and early 2010s.
A previous video of renowned pastor T praising the Gen Z has resurfaced, where he claimed that they should not be judged, citing that they will revolutionalize the country someday.
Energized and tech-savvy, these young protestors took to the streets, documenting their experience with chants, videos, and photos. This social media blitz amplified their message and garnered support from those unable to physically participate.
One powerful moment captured online showed a young woman confronting police, refusing to be silenced. This defiance highlighted a key difference from past protests led by politicians, which were sometimes marred by violence. The “Occupy Parliament” movement remained peaceful, focusing on pressuring lawmakers to reject the proposed taxes.
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Activist Boniface Mwangi emphasized the importance of holding leaders accountable, a sentiment echoed by a young protestor who vowed to stay strong despite tear gas. Even those arrested continued their demonstration with song and dance, showcasing unwavering resolve.
This “revolution,” as some called it, marks a shift in Kenyan activism. Young people are taking charge, harnessing social media to demand a say in their future.
