Former President Uhuru Kenyatta urged the younger generation, particularly Gen Z, to rise up and fight for their rights, emphasizing that change requires courage and perseverance. His comments came on Friday during the burial of his cousin, Kibathi Muigai, in Ichaweri, Gatundu South, Kiambu County. Addressing a crowd of mourners, Uhuru delivered a powerful message to the youth, reminding them that their future depends on their ability to assert their voices and demand what they deserve.
“Kibathi was a warrior,” Uhuru began, drawing a parallel between his cousin’s legacy and the battles young people face today. “Gen Z, you are the story of the future. Fight for your rights. Do not just sit there and watch as your hard-earned property is being taken away. Fight and make sure you get what you want. Nothing is permanent,” he said.
The former President emphasized that the youth should not passively accept the status quo. “Everything in the world is worth fighting for. If you do not fight now, don’t blame anyone later,” he added. This message of defiance and empowerment resonated with the ongoing youth-led movements in the country, where young people have been at the forefront of demanding better governance, accountability, and economic fairness.
Uhuru encouraged the youth not to fear those in power, stressing the importance of speaking out without hesitation. “Stand up and fight for your rights. You can’t just stand there and let people take your hard-earned sweat. The world is not like that. Don’t be fearful,” he said. He also assured the youth that they were not alone in their struggle. “We are behind you,” he declared, offering his support and solidarity.
This powerful statement from the former President follows months of activism by Kenya’s Gen Z, who have made their voices heard in protests across the country. These protests were driven by demands for greater accountability from the government and better living conditions for young people. The demonstrations, which lasted nearly two months, were largely peaceful, but tragically turned violent, with several lives lost and many others injured.
Gen Z used social media as a tool for organizing and amplifying their message, making their concerns impossible to ignore. In response, President William Ruto reshuffled his cabinet, dismissing several ministers to form a more inclusive government, an attempt to address some of the youth’s concerns.
Uhuru’s speech underscores the importance of youth activism in shaping the future, reminding young people that the fight for justice and fairness is ongoing and that their voices can spark real change.
