Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has criticized retired President Uhuru Kenyatta for urging the youth to take a bold stand in fighting for their rights. Duale emphasized that while the political class has a responsibility to set a good example, peace and stability should remain paramount.
Speaking at a Garissa High School alumni event, Duale noted the importance of instilling respect for the Constitution and the rule of law among the younger generation. “We need to encourage young people to keep the peace and stability in our country. We must tell them to respect the Constitution and the rule of law,” Duale remarked, emphasizing constructive engagement over confrontation.
His remarks come in response to Uhuru’s recent call for Generation Z, including his daughter Ngina, to be assertive in protecting their rights. During the burial of his cousin, veteran rally driver Kibathi Muigai, Uhuru lamented the perceived apathy among young Kenyans. He urged them to stand firm against injustices, stating, “Fight for your rights and stop just sitting around while your hard-earned sacrifice is taken away. Fight until justice is served because nothing lasts forever.”
Uhuru’s sentiments resonate with recent events in Kenya, where the youth have taken center stage in protests against the government’s contentious Kenya Finance Bill 2024. The proposed tax hikes triggered nationwide demonstrations, spearheaded predominantly by Generation Z. Utilizing social media platforms to mobilize, these protests showcased a shift from traditional, politically-driven activism to youth-led, grassroots movements.
Unlike previous protests orchestrated by political elites or trade unions, these demonstrations cut across ethnic, regional, gender, and religious lines. Protesters voiced concerns over Kenya’s struggling economy, deteriorating public services, and alarming rates of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. The unity and resilience displayed by the youth highlighted a growing sense of frustration with unresponsive politics and systemic inequality.
The protests, however, were marred by instances of police brutality, raising questions about the state’s approach to dissent and its respect for constitutional freedoms.
Duale’s call for peace and stability underscores the delicate balance between advocating for rights and maintaining national harmony. However, the youth’s frustrations reflect a deep-seated demand for structural reforms and equitable governance.
As Kenya navigates these tensions, the role of Generation Z in shaping the nation’s future remains pivotal. The younger generation has demonstrated its capacity to challenge the status quo, signaling a transformative shift in the country’s socio-political landscape.
