In Summary
- This year’s march witnessed a significant shift—a new generation taking center stage.
- The uprising began in the virtual realm
- Young protestors flooded the streets of Nairobi.
The air crackled with a different kind of energy during Tuesday’s Maandamano procession in Nairobi.
This year’s march witnessed a significant shift, a new generation taking center stage.
Dubbed ‘Occupy Parliament’, the protests saw a surge of young Kenyans, known as Gen Z, using their voices and digital tools to challenge the proposed high taxation outlined in the Finance Bill, 2024.
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A Digital Maandamano
The uprising began in the virtual realm. Social media platforms like Twitter and TikTok buzzed with discontent over the bill’s contents.
Hashtags like #OccupyParliament gained massive traction, particularly among Gen Z, who assured their presence on the streets
Born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, this digitally-sharp generation harnessed the power of social media to mobilize and organize.
Excited and determined, the young protestors flooded the streets of Nairobi.
Their stylish outfits and the common presence of smartphones and water bottles painted a unique picture of this Maandamano.
These digital tools weren’t just for communication; they transformed into instruments of documentation.
Videos and photos showcasing the protest flooded social media, each post displayed with the empowering phrase ‘tuko kwa ground’ (we are on the ground).
This emphasis on online participation was crucial. Those unable to physically attend the march actively supported the movement by sharing messages, pictures, and videos.
A now-viral video shows this spirit: a young woman confronts police officers, demanding to know why she is being targeted for exercising her right to protest.
Her courage and defiance, captured on camera, resonated with countless online viewers.
The change in leadership was another stark contrast to past Maandamano events.
Unlike previous protests spearheaded by politicians, the ‘Occupy Parliament’ movement was driven by young people from all walks of life.
Last year, for example, opposition leader Raila Odinga called for protests over similar issues.
This time, however, the main political alliance, Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya, while opposing the bill in parliament, did not participate in the street demonstrations.
The focus of the protests remained clear: to pressure Members of Parliament to reject the bill and its proposed taxes, perceived as excessively punitive.
The atmosphere, however, differed significantly from past demonstrations. Gone were the scenes of hooliganism, looting, and destruction of property. This was a peaceful and resolute movement, fueled by a desire for change.
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Importance of Holding Leaders Accountable
Activist Boniface Mwangi, one of the organizers, emphasized the importance of holding leaders accountable, a sentiment echoed by many young protestors.
Despite teargas encounters, the spirit remained undeterred.
A group of female protestors, even after being detained, continued their demonstration within holding cells, their voices raised in song, sending a clear message to the government: “They’ve gotten used to it! They’ve gotten used to it! Who? The government! We won’t accept it, we won’t accept it!”
This digital Maandamano resonated beyond the streets. Senator Ledama Olekina took to social media to applaud Gen Z’s leadership, highlighting the importance of their participation.
The movement also yielded some early results. Finance Committee Chair Kimani Kuria announced the removal of several contentious clauses from the bill, including VAT on essential goods and services.
The fight, however, isn’t over. MPs are set to debate the revised bill this week, with a vote expected on Tuesday.
But one thing is clear: a new generation has found its voice, and they are determined to be heard. This Maandamano wasn’t just a protest; it was a digital revolution, marking the arrival of Gen Z as a powerful force on the Kenyan political landscape.
