By Ebi Kesiena
Former Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta, has urged young people to persist in their fight for their rights, emphasising their role as future leaders who must ensure that their voices are heard.
Speaking on Friday at the burial of his cousin, Kenyatta encouraged young people not to remain passive while others reap the benefits of their efforts.
“Kibathi was a warrior. Gen Z, you are the future. Fight for your rights. Don’t just sit back and watch as others take what you’ve worked hard for. Stand up and ensure you claim what is yours. Remember, nothing is permanent,” he said.
Kenyatta stressed the importance of resilience, noting that the world requires individuals to stand up for what they deserve. He warned that failure to act now would leave the youth with no one to blame later.
“Rise and fight for your rights. You can’t just stand by while others take what you’ve earned. The world doesn’t work that way. Don’t be afraid,” he added.
He encouraged Gen Zs to be fearless in their pursuit of justice and assured them of support. “Raise your voices, fight for your rights. Don’t be afraid—that’s for us to worry about. You have the strength to fight, so keep pushing. We’re behind you.”
Uhuru’s comments come in the wake of recent protests led by the younger generation, demanding greater accountability and better governance from leaders. The youth organised nearly two months of peaceful demonstrations across the country, leveraging social media to amplify their demands.
Although the protests were initially peaceful, they turned tragic, resulting in several deaths and numerous injuries. In response to the public outcry, President William Ruto dismissed his entire cabinet, except for Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and then-deputy Rigathi Gachagua, citing the need to form a more inclusive government.
President Ruto’s move was seen as a step towards addressing the youth’s demands for broader representation and accountability in governance.
