How Kenyans are using social media to protest against the political class | The Stream

Images of Gen Z confronting Kenyan police armed with tear gas, water cannon and live rounds have dominated headlines in recent weeks. What began as a social media movement opposing a proposed finance bill has escalated into fatal antigovernment demonstrations nationwide. Despite President William Ruto withdrawing the bill in response to the fervor of the protests, Kenya's economic challenges, coupled with a sizable educated youth demographic facing scarce job prospects, persistently fuel discontent against the political establishment. It seems the country’s youth movement is just getting started.
Presenter: Anelise Borges
Guests:
Brian Obra - film director
Boniface Mwangi - activist
Wanjira Wanjiru - Mathare Social Justice Centre co-founder
Kasmuel Mcoure - activist
#kenyaprotests #kenya #aljazeeraenglish #protests #genz #socialmedia #ruto

[@tokateke9542]

Fearless, Partyless, Tribeless

[@stevenmutumbu2860]

Kabisa kabisa! Kudos Genz zakayo shuka!!

[@shadracksteve3712]

Exactly

[@Goch46]

This is the exact thing our leaders wanted us to be. Gen Z has broken this norm

[@josephinesosingot-raisanen6743]

i like the tribeless

[@zeralimud2936]

Leaderless,God did not create man to be ruled by man,but by God Himself. Jeremiah 31,The Laws of God must be our leader.

[@Iam-hx6lu]

Revolution of Africa starts in Kenya🇰🇪. We are fearless, partyless, tribeless, informed.

[@Tefera-hf8fw]

this is rev 1.2 as the 1.1 started in Tunisia in 2011

[@official_mikebreezzy]

Proudly kenyan🇰🇪💜

[@colinthomas6888]

Blacks around the world we are with you..❤❤❤❤ God blessings always

[@JoanNyota]

❤❤

[@mayy9685]

Pan African and the African diaspora time to unite with Kenya !!

[@mbaleduthomas]

Kenyans I give maximum respect you don't tolerate nonsense😂 Ugandans wake up please

[@lecoltech1585]

😂

[@perksofbeingafoodie2070]

😂😂😂😂

[@AMAli-ct5df]

Be inspired and ACT AND DEMAND TRANSFORMATION

[@evansmungai6384]

😂😂😂 The government has invested in education for the last 21 years. Most of which is free at primary level 😂 What did they expect 😂 We are Woke

[@BusinessGuidesKenya]

Na Baado....Kenya MUST CHANGE, AFRICA MUST CHANGE

[@faisalmohamedabdulla3600]

For the good.

[@Ogthenotorioursone]

amen amen

[@georgeikinya2779]

Absolutely, no other way

[@kelvinmurimi109]

kenyan button here

[@ibrahimmbela4304]

" When We loose our fear,they loose their Power " Viva Kenya

[@extrovert5829]

Even in my next life I just want to be a Kenyan 🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪. Kenyans are very patience and understanding until they get fed up.

[@Amaizingeric]

Kenyans have good english salute.

[@puritykm]

Not a compliment, but thank you. That colonial language is just a language of communication and no longer a measure of intelligence.

[@mikecom]

It's the most widely used language here.

[@Tefera-hf8fw]

one of the benefits of British colonialism was English language and education in comparism to French and Portugese

[@sammygitongar9262]

The dream of Tom Mboya, vision of Kibaki and the ideals of justice planted in us by Prof. Wangari Mathai shall be realised in the fullness of time. Kenyans keep pressing!!

[@kimboclerk9790]

GOD please 🙏 protect them in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth ❤I’m from Cameroon 🇨🇲 what are we waiting for

[@ginarelicsgemstones1506]

Yes darling it’s time our people in Cameroon get rid of those corrupt leaders too. We as Africans should unite be border less & trade amongst ourselves. The West divided is & its time we serve them their own medicine. ❤️ from 🇰🇪 viva Revolution Afrika is ours we standing on biz till the west & east leave us alone.

[@justahuman97]

More love and support to my Kenyan brothers and sisters from an Indian ♥

[@hendricaoduba6028]

Thank u

[@gulledahmed2954]

Welcome to your second home

[@loftusabu7972]

And as Kenyan youth,Gen zs,we are not done.....

[@franmdleleni6520]

We pray for you. You have done us proud.

[@jabezjedidiah1429]

In God we trust, real change is taking shape.

[@stephenodhiambo7556]

Mambo bado

[@ginarelicsgemstones1506]

Yes sweetie we just getting started ni glucose tuna lamba kabla IEBC wajipange we recall M🐖 then looto awafuate. This year we’re cleansing 🇰🇪

[@edmunddianga8641]

Na bado😂😂😂 we were just warning 😂😂

[@HeyPhonsi]

Go Kenya. I am not Kenyan but my daughter is and I am protesting for her. She will grow up in a better country where the people come first, not greed, not tribe, and not political affiliation or social class.

[@p.be.s]

Wewe ni wetu

[@b.3940]

The current Kenyan youth are a force to be reckoned with and are inspiring oppressed people in many places. I was talking to a member if thevDalit community in India and she said that India's "untouchables" are seriously looking at the tactics the Gen Z are employing in Kenya.

[@MichaelBotri]

We Ghanaians 🇬🇭 Youths Must Also Make Our "Constitution Our Leader"

[@sanp6092]

This woman is a natural leader. ❤✊🏾

[@Ken_from_Kenya]

Absolutely, so eloquent. Kasmuel is just naturally smart. Kenya's future is bright 🌞😎

[@eldios831]

Man ....Genz big up....not in my wildest dreams would I imagine chenye nimeona kenya....May it bear fruits

[@ginarelicsgemstones1506]

We ain’t relenting till they go home. Heri watuue genz wote

[@eldios831]

@@ginarelicsgemstones1506 weeh sawa....nitasemaje

[@Lizziesouth]

Wow just wow....MCourie is ahead of time. Speaks the political language of today. And its true ..calling everyone part of this movement GenZ is politicising the Kenyans as infantile. It is wrong and it is the new tribal language. Yes Wanjiru, when Kenyan lose their fear, the political elite lose their power 😢😢😢.

[@b0b303]

She has genuine respect and admiration for our young leaders and she researched the piece well. Well done, all!

[@Be-Rean]

She thinks like a kenyan.she must be a kenyan and if not we officially adopt her into the cradle of mankind

[@kagundateddy2023]

Faceless, Fearless, Partyless, Tribeless

[@BEST_LYRIC]

Proudly Kenyan. ❤ You Gen Z! Aluta continua. RIP departed patriots 😭😭

[@Goch46]

It seems like Al Jazeera has never heard of KOT (Kenyans on Twitter). Thats where everything in Kenya Starts. Ask BBC and CNN 😂😂

[@trendinggossip8692]

They dont know😂😂

[@Goch46]

@@trendinggossip8692 they only know TikTok

[@georgeikinya2779]

@@trendinggossip8692now, I think they got a glimpse

[@mwangiphalis2636]

🤣

[@Msapere]

Wanjira Wanjiru is a very powerful name

[@kingfestus]

Fearless Tribeless 🇰🇪💪🏼

[@user-vh3fr3lb8w]

And leaderless.

[@danrono9725]

Wanjira Wanjiru is a future leader I will follow

[@linahatieno3386]

I am so proud of all of them. They spoke well and really did justice to what this journey has been about and how we got here

[@gloriabukachi1]

This cry of freedom started way back and was never heard. Many died until today! Kenya is land of God and God will rescue it from distraction.

[@diddiousdenali]

Kenyas are very brilliant, they speak well and truly informed 👏🏽

[@kwasibruce]

The Kenyan youth protests in the last few days are reminiscent of the youth protest that ended apartheid in South Africa. I understand that President William Ruto announced a massive cut in the government this week following the protests across Kenya, well done to Kenyan youths.

[@duzzitright3084]

Proud of yall Kenyans👏🇿🇦

[@wealthwise247]

Proudly Kenyan 🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪

[@lyricsjj9560]

Proudly Kenya....just tired of the lies but all we want is change

[@mowthorn8570]

Listening to these three luminaries, Oh! I could cry, tears of joy and hope. United we stand. YES, WHEN WE LOOSE OUR FEAR, THEY LOOSE THEIR POWER. We release ourselves from the strangle they've had on us. We are taking our freedom a day at a time, we will not rest till all are free.

[@theresaelizabethelijah117]

Genzs Viva ✊🏽✊🏽✊🏽 keep the fire 🔥 burning 🔥 🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪🇱🇮

[@THEDOB254]

All we want and need in kenya is complete competence, truthness, and transparency from the government . Not over taxing the people without showcasing the clear projects to the people.

[@cuttingedgeConsistentTraders]

Leaderlsss, Fearless, partyless, Tribeless, decentralized and not aligned to any religion. No country has pulled such a neutral social change movement in the history of global politics. So if you want your country to embrace the changes you need, use this new global model and more importantly, be fearless and ruthless demanding reforms. No Mercy

[@boscoboss3826]

Sure we will deliver

[@kariukij]

We thank president ruto for uniting the youth against his cruel government

[@K_ezek]

Thanks for the X-SPACE facilitation to keep this cause alive. Viva Kenyan youth !

[@godfreyjaseme3044]

I pray and hope after all is said and done, Kenya can be a better place to be for future generations

[@NabeisWaifu]

Viva! Kenyan Patriots!

[@nicolechappelle2074]

I.m proud of the Kenyans May God bless You I.m praying for u all

[@CradleofLifeSA]

Brilliant, united, fearless & intentional❤ Ruto won’t ever forget & neither will the 🌍 Viva to the youth determining their future🔥✊🏾

[@cgitahi]

What a time to be alive ! Gen Z have broken out of the chains of fear and now the sky is the limit

[@Indlovu402]

I am proud of everyone raising their voice and speaking up against govt injustices and corruption. It is about time we start being accountable on who we elect to lead us, and uphold upright moral priciples and values as citizens, our country has been held hostage for a long time by moralless leaders of very dubious character.

[@mollyjael6739]

Proud of Kenyan Youths! 🇰🇪

[@Realmakos]

Yes the president has to make a prompt decision who he will work for.. The imf or us.

[@inbetweenlife]

I must commend the moderator or the host she's on point and she's driving the conversation well

[@ThinkMuseums]

Very proud as a Kenyan❤.Gen Z made us have hope in our country. Viva!

[@joenatani352]

Anelise Borges did her homework 👏👏

[@juliakaranja1067]

All Kenyans want is Accountability of already collected taxes for the 2 yrs and moving forward. Power to the People!! Power is with the People!! The People are Woke!! Viva Kenya God bless Kenya 🇰🇪

[@Hercub]

The people, for the people

[@user-vn3zw5ui8v]

Thanks for your video it's very sad 😢 to see how police killing young innocent Kenya . Gen-Z

[@gisthevictorperiod.9763]

Wow, we do it scared and scared And we won't relent now that's a leader there 🎉

[@midomarvin8793]

Radar safi sana Al Jazeera. Hawa ni baadhi ya viongizi bora wa leo. The Kenya we want shall come through our collective effort, action and unfortunate loss but with such people leading it shall surely come true.

[@RamaMfunga]

As a young Kenyan lady we must take our leader on check.

[@ivyachola5210]

KENYA MUST CHANGE

[@keraunos8870]

how social media is supposed to be used

[@thedopeteacher6562]

😂The message is very clear. Kufinish kumalo.

[@malkia7558]

Maximum respect to our Genz, I personally salute you! As you soldier on, all generations before you are solidly behind you. Proud of you, and sending love to all.

[@information2147]

Im proud of my country Kenya 🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪 we want accountability and constitutionalism

[@joanwalumbe4427]

Aluta continua! These young people snd millions more who have raised they voices, and shed their blood 😢 have inspired a hope that i thought I and many of my generation buried in 2022 when Ruto and his regime came to power. Kenya is rising like a phoenix. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@LucaMatoke]

It started like something simple and it quickly became a nuclear bomb. Wakenya twasema ahsanteni sana.

[@gracemuriuki6305]

Waoh! with Kenyan Gen Zs around i can comfortably sit and relax. Proud of you Guys!!!

[@AMAli-ct5df]

Proud to be a Comrade Kenyan

[@samuelmbugua8414]

The 3 panelist have done Kenyan proud, we have brains in kenyan.

[@simonrutto836]

Change is rife in every breath I take here in our motherland, Kenya. Never have I been a proud beneficiary of what Kenya has to offer. Noting the challenges that made us rally ourselves for what is truly patriotism as enshrined in our constitution is a story that should reasonate across African nations marred with run away corruption, impunity and wanton disregard to the rule of law. Daima mimi Mkenya!

[@sfisomzobe6692]

All support goes out to the struggle ❤❤we lose our fear, they loose their power. Nice to see these progressive africa minds in our time, challenging the power structures that don't serve them.

[@ToxicAfricanKing]

Ruto Must Fall! Aluta continua. 🇰🇪✊🏾

[@davidgathuna8217]

Ruto must go

[@dwamburu1]

Go where?

[@AREVIEW1]

@@dwamburu1sugoi

[@kuchioasonga7158]

​@dwamburu1 the boy can go to Sugoi

[@thragg00]

@@dwamburu1you are a fool

[@gulledahmed2954]

​@@AREVIEW1JAIL

[@sangkiplangat9650]

Kenyan youths bringing change . History has reserved footnotes for rememberance

[@JoshuaRiiny]

I can feel former president Mwai Kibaki alive today. His impact is undoubtedly living in the young once. I am so proud of Kenyans right now.

[@annekombo5658]

Am proud of them ,they made me proud kenyan again may God bless our younger siblings for changing kenya for better

[@winslauschitechi983]

The biggest mistake they made was educating us,,if they won't deliver we'll mess them big

[@Jetskic2]

Proudly kenyan gen z i fear marriage and hot porridge 🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪

[@OleMwai]

Tribeless. 🇰🇪 . Proudly Kenyan.

[@serahnuru5913]

Brilliant panel. Aluta continua

[@colinthomas6888]

We're with you 🇰🇪 youth FOR the world. God bless a better 🇰🇪

[@qadiriyat1780]

So proud of our young people. Power to the people ✊️

[@loicewanjira7750]

We give them power and we can take it...they should fear as not the other way round...😡😎🇰🇪

[@playlistforlife2178]

Dear Aljazeera, this thing didn’t come from Tiktok but X formerly twitter. That is why the president had to host a x space but not a TikTok live.

[@RassieKariuki]

You don't know what you are saying.

[@bluelight4907]

​@@RassieKariuki TikTok played a part but what X did was way bigger

[@TheRedKibet]

Tiktok was way bigger and way more important than twitter. Tiktok live was regularly getting 100k viewers while it was a rarity for spaces to do the same thing.

[@panafrican.nation]

Yes, it started on X. There's no doubt or argument about that. It just took a life of it's own and TikTok is now bigger, which we're happy about, but X is where it started. We're trying to reach FB now too

[@bluelight4907]

@@panafrican.nation There is a reason everyone is talking of X spaces and the president went there.

[@deliverancetv6584]

Africa is on the move to good economic revolution

[@stephenodhiambo7556]

Ruto Must Go!

[@kuchioasonga7158]

Ruto Must Go

[@Babu_bk]

They will not believe..!

[@AMAli-ct5df]

Thank you Al Jazeera. Viva Comrades ❤❤

[@lucopodium]

Partyless, Tribeless, Fearless, Leaderless and Brilliant

[@user-kn5jr7qw7l]

inspiring for us all ❤

[@molotovcocktail4207]

Just a minute ago we've ended an X space meeting with our president that has lasted for almost 2 hours.We forced him to come in the space listen and respond to our questions.Tommorrow we will have another meeting also.We hope it will make a change.

[@nicoledinga9948]

Waste of time with that liar

[@nicoledinga9948]

waste of time

[@Indlovu402]

All he did was evade and dodge questions, kept on repeating success stories about his govt thay only he seems to be aware of and was dishonest on so many matters. I have no faith in Ruto and neither can I trust his judgement.

[@molotovcocktail4207]

Was bored pia.He said nothing new and also seemed not to be ready to take any action on his failed cabinet.

[@robertkimani2420]

Ruto tried to sell Kenya to the west

[@user-mu5ws4vq8e]

A wonderful commentator true to the point-- thanks a lot!

[@cheruiyotnicolus3133]

This is just the beginning, we cannot stop

[@beverlyogolah5872]

Proudly kenyan🇰🇪

[@foodieentertainment393]

Wonderful engagement!!

[@ChristineWanjiru-ez4lw]

🇰🇪🇰🇪KENYA MY COUNTRY

[@Gblock-qj6hn]

I love my Kenyan people, Ruto and your gov wait till I catch you lacking

[@bejamataria7362]

Leaderless, partyless, Tribeless, Fearless and our constitution is the leader ...this is the new strategy to deal with this reckless people whom call themselves leaders. Power to the youth we have the energy, we can use it to liberate ourselves from mental slavery from the modern colony.

[@gabiwainaina396]

OMG. I just saw my colleague who was shot in the head😢 the guy being carried wearing a grey hoodie and black trousers. Thankfully he survived and still undergoing treatment ✊🏼

[@calvinsmungusa503]

"Revolution is Evolution ...and it does not come in a day", now thats a leader there.. Fearless,Partyless,Tribeless I see hope in this young kenyans. Viva Gen z's viva

[@misspoliticianke]

We are not done. We are going for their hefty salaries and the money they have stolen.

[@MuneneMwangi-yl8ug]

Iam happy to be part of History for real Revolution here it is