Kalonzo Musyoka Urges Leaders to Heed Gen Z’s Demands Amidst Recent Protests
In a recent address, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has called on Kenyan leaders to pay closer attention to the voices of Generation Z, following the recent youth-led protests that resulted in significant political changes in the country.
Musyoka’s remarks come in the wake of President William Ruto’s decision to withdraw the controversial Finance Bill 2024, which had faced significant opposition from young Kenyans advocating for better governance and economic reforms. The Wiper leader praised the Gen Z protesters, noting their effectiveness and dedication compared to previous generations of activists.
“They are carrying the Kenyan flag, and they have done it better than we did,” Musyoka said, highlighting the role of young people in pushing for change. He emphasized that the country stands at a crucial juncture and that the government must take meaningful steps to address the concerns of the younger generation.
In his statement, Musyoka directly addressed President Ruto, urging him to reassess the country’s situation through the lens of the Gen Z perspective. “Mr. President, I want to argue that we look at our country afresh. There’s no way we can do away with Gen Z,” Musyoka asserted. He underscored that the current state of the nation reflects a failure to heed public demands, referencing the earlier protests against the Finance Bill 2023 that were also driven by widespread discontent.
Musyoka warned that if leaders ignore the growing influence of Gen Z, they risk being sidelined by a generation that asserts, “We are leaders now, not just tomorrow.” He called for a shift in how leaders engage with younger citizens, stressing that their voices should not be dismissed.
Additionally, Musyoka demanded the resignation of Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome or the removal of police from the streets to restore normalcy. He argued that the current situation underscores a broader need for the government to engage more constructively with the concerns raised by young Kenyans.