"Tuesday is Tuesday": How Kenya’s Gen Z Protests Sparked a Continent-Wide Youth Revolution

When Kenya’s populist president William Ruto took office amid much hullabaloo, fanfare, and divine hubris, there was no way he could foresee that his governance would be challenged by the youngest generation in such an unprecedented manner.

Today, as Ruto stares into the political abyss, he’s opting for the oldest play in the autocrat’s handbook: blaming external forces.

Recently, he pointed fingers at the Ford Foundation, accusing it of sponsoring unrest in Kenya through the Gen Z revolution. This laughable attempt to deflect responsibility has not only failed to quell the unrest but has also ignited a firestorm of youth-led protests across Africa, from Nigeria to Malawi, Uganda, and beyond.

The Kenyan Catalyst

In Kenya, the Gen Z movement has notched several significant victories. These include the withdrawal of the contentious Finance Bill 2024, the sacking of the entire cabinet, President Ruto’s reluctant overture for dialogue with the "posh" protestors, and the resignation of the police chief following allegations of abuses of power and extrajudicial killings.

The protests have been a mix of triumphs and tragedies, with the most recent calling for justice for at least 41 individuals killed during the 25 June protests in Nairobi. On that day, protesters briefly overran Parliament, setting part of it ablaze, which triggered a heavy-handed police response.

Despite attempts to frame the looting and chaos as the work of either state-backed provocateurs or opportunist criminals, the truth remains shrouded in ambiguity. Yet, the message from Kenya’s youth is clear: they will no longer tolerate corruption, mismanagement, and government impunity.

Ruto’s Olive Branch: Too Little, Too Late

In a desperate bid to stem the tide, President Ruto announced a national dialogue slated to begin yesterday. However, this gesture has been roundly rebuffed by opposition leaders like Raila Odinga and the Azimio coalition, who seem content to let Ruto "fry in his own fat."

Meanwhile, the Gen Z movement shows no signs of relenting, with a massive protest dubbed “Tuesday is Tuesday” scheduled for today, 16 July. The stakes are high, and Ruto’s position precarious, especially after firing his entire cabinet, leaving no one to manage the imminent security crisis.

The Domino Effect Across Africa

Kenya’s Gen Z protests have sparked a wave of similar movements across Africa, each echoing the demand for accountable governance and socio-economic justice.

Malawi: Initially set for 10 July but postponed due to school exams, a national shutdown demonstration in Malawi is set to highlight issues such as unnecessary taxes, high fuel prices, and poor governance. Human rights activist Edward Kambanje emphasises the need for a sustained movement that authorities can no longer ignore.

Uganda: On 23 July, Ugandan youths plan to march to Parliament, protesting corruption and broken government promises. Despite recognising that immediate policy changes are unlikely, organisers are committed to making their voices heard.

Zimbabwe: In a nation where dissent is routinely stifled, young Zimbabweans are organising protests against the government’s oppressive tactics. Veteran human rights lawyer Doug Coltart asserts that even the most unyielding regimes can be pressured into concessions through sustained nonviolent action.

Nigeria: Nigerian youths are mobilising for a nationwide "Mother of All Protests Ever Witnessed in Africa" in August, calling out economic mismanagement, corruption, and the soaring cost of living. The parallels with Kenya’s struggle are striking, with similar grievances fuelling the discontent.

Gambia: On 9 July, Gambian youths marched to Parliament in a rare protest against proposed legislation to increase the salaries and pensions of judicial officers and MPs amidst worsening economic conditions. While the protest ended peacefully, there are fears of potential chaos if the legislation is passed.

The Information War: Navigating the Digital Battlefield

As these movements gain momentum, the digital landscape has become a battleground for narratives. Both the government and the Gen Z movement in Kenya have seen inorganic online activity amplifying their messages. Local, state, and foreign actors are suspected of trying to co-opt or disrupt the protests, adding to the chaos. Even the hacker collective Anonymous has suspended its involvement, wary of inadvertently bolstering malicious influence campaigns.

A Continent on the Brink

The youth-led protests across Africa symbolise a seismic shift. Inspired by the successes and ongoing struggle in Kenya, young people are rising against systemic corruption, economic mismanagement, and authoritarian governance. This burgeoning revolution is a testament to the power of collective action and the indomitable spirit of Gen Z.

As the continent braces for what promises to be a tumultuous next few months, the question remains: will these movements usher in a new era of accountability and reform, or will they be crushed by the very systems they seek to change? One thing is certain though: the youth are no longer willing to remain silent.

And as Kenya’s Gen Z has shown, when Tuesday is Tuesday, there’s no telling what might happen on Wednesday.