Three Kenyan women currently residing in the United Kingdom have resolved to return to Nairobi on Tuesday to participate in the ongoing Gen Z-led protests against President William Ruto’s administration.
These demonstrations, which have gained momentum in recent weeks, are rooted in concerns over governance issues plaguing the current leadership. The genesis of these protests can be traced back to the contentious Finance Bill 2024. Initially, Kenyans implored President Ruto to refrain from signing the bill, which had already been approved by parliament. The situation escalated rapidly, culminating in widespread street demonstrations that saw protesters breach the parliament building.
The government ultimately withdrew the controversial bill in response to the mounting pressure. Despite this concession, the protests have persisted, with Kenyan citizens remaining steadfast in their pursuit of change. The demonstrators have since articulated a set of specific demands that they expect President Ruto and his administration to address comprehensively before they consider ceasing their activism. The upcoming Tuesday marks a significant escalation in the protest movement, as Gen Z demonstrators have pledged to gather in Nairobi’s CBD.
Their primary objective is to voice their opposition to President Ruto’s newly nominated cabinet members. Inspired by these unfolding events, UK-based Kenyans Sharon, Jennifer, and Nicole have decided to book flights and join their fellow citizens in the struggle for improved governance.
“It’s an awakening, we are choosing our next leaders. We are tired of corruption and bad leadership. We have read books like Kifo Kisimani, Utengano, Waziri Wa Mayai, among others and we want to come and implement it at home. It is not our wish that our country burns but if it things go badly, we would rather the reset happens at once than for the suffering to be drawn out for a long time,” says Nicole.
On Saturday, Kenyans in Washington DC gathered outside the International Monetary Fund (IMF) offices to voice their discontent. Adorned in the national colours, the protestors chanted anti-IMF slogans and played Kenyan music to draw attention to their cause. They carried placards accusing the IMF of interfering in Kenya’s internal affairs and demanded accountability for the violence that has occurred during recent demonstrations. The protesters argued that the IMF’s loans are burdening Kenya with unsustainable debt, rather than promoting development.
The IMF does what it does…
The IMF does what it does and countries get their loans knowing what they’re getting into. Theft in African governments is the problem not the IMF.
@ Mlandizi, I have to agree…
@ Mlandizi, I have to agree with you here. We all know that IMF loans come with conditions, but some leaders, when asked to raise revenue most african leaders, will choose taxation rather than cut costs. Then they’ll blame the IMF. Also remember high interest rates from IMF,like any lending institutions are a result of high defaults from members.
Africans dont have to go to IMF,or the World Bank.The New Development bank by BRICS is an alternative.
Africans can also create their own lending institutions,and borrow from them.
The problem with most african countries,Kenya among them is that the borrowed money is mismanaged,and a chunk stuffed in to pockets of crooked politicians.
Gen Z demands fully…
Gen Z demands fully implementation the 2010 constitution to achieve rule of the law.
Otherwise, #RutoMustGo
The key demands are:-
Reduce Executive powers from independent offices TREASURY
Looters of public coffers consequences.
Digital voting system.
Lawsuit to IMF on the Odious debt.
Lifestyle Audit from President to MCA.
Re-enforcement of Parliament responsibilities.
Openly Good governance with minimum govt officials.
Please add on the list!
fire
Wazungu Sharon,Jennifer…
Wazungu Sharon,Jennifer,Nicole from Mars,GB or which village kwa Makamburu?