Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa Declares Himself Gen Z Chairman

Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa has declared himself the chairperson of the Gen Z group.

This bold move comes at a time when young people in Kenya have been increasingly vocal about their desire for representation and leadership within their demographic.
On Sunday, June 30, 2024, Barasa made a public statement announcing his self-appointed role as Gen Z chairperson, despite the group’s expressed sentiment that they do not require a leader. In a lighthearted manner, he invited other young individuals to nominate a vice-chair to support him in this new position.

The timing of his announcement is particularly noteworthy as it follows President William Ruto’s proposed engagement with youth issues through a multi-sectoral forum.
The controversial Finance Bill 2024 has been a significant point of contention, and Barasa’s stance on it has drawn considerable attention. Despite initially supporting the bill, he now appears to be attempting to reconcile with the youth. His promise to share any benefits he receives with his constituents in Kimilili reflects an effort to maintain a connection with his voter base. During a rally in Kimilili on Saturday, June 29, 2024, Barasa employed humour to emphasize his Gen Z credentials. He playfully questioned whether his appearance aligned with the Gen Z aesthetic, asking the crowd, “Can you all see that I resemble Gen Z?”

In response to the rejection of the Finance Bill, President Ruto swiftly ordered the formation of a National Multi-sectoral Committee and a multi-stakeholder forum to address Gen Z’s concerns. The agenda for these initiatives includes critical issues such as job opportunities, tax policies, national debt, representation, accountability, and anti-corruption measures. However, many young people remain sceptical of these efforts. They argue that their demands should be discussed openly and transparently, rather than behind closed doors.

Meanwhile, the CITAM church has spoken up regarding the contentious Finance Bill 2024 and the excessive force employed by the police against demonstrators.
In their statement, CITAM acknowledges the concerns they have and also commended the young generation who are at the forefront of the anti-government protests. Concerning the lives lost and police brutality, CITAM calls on the government and supporters to provide aid and support to those who were harmed and to the families of those who passed away.

“We do want to appreciate and applaud Gen Zs for their engagement with issues of national interest, and particularly the double focus that we noted: on the one hand, they mobilized protests against unfair tax regimes in a legal manner that was apolitical and devoid of ethnic innuendoes, and on the other hand, they pricked the conscience of the church to purge the pulpits of our churches from undue influence by politics and politicians,” the statement reads in part.