Gen Z must not let pride steal their movement's purpose

Kenya is witnessing something extraordinary: a youth-led awakening that has stirred the conscience of the nation.

The Gen Z movement, born from discontent and frustration, has captured the imagination of millions and drawn the eyes of the world.

It has shown courage, unity, and clarity in demanding accountability from those in power. For this, the Gen Z deserve recognition. But amid the passion, a dangerous trend is emerging — one that threatens to undermine the very principles upon which your movement stands.

We are beginning to see celebration where there should be mourning. When a sitting Member of Parliament is assassinated, and the response from some corners is not grief but glee — we must ask ourselves: what are we becoming?

When violence against elected leaders is cheered, when destruction is seen as heroism, then the line between justice and vengeance has been crossed.

When a leader or anyone else is grieving a loss, do you celebrate that or do you show empathy and respect? Agitation does not mean becoming inhumane or being totally indifferent to people’s feelings. Still, there is time to mourn, celebrate and observe basic rules of nature.

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Let us not confuse anger with wisdom. The moment a movement begins to glorify harm, no matter how righteous the cause, it loses its moral compass.

Kenya is a democracy. We have elections every five years. That is our only legitimate tool for change. You may disagree with President William Ruto, and you have every right to voice your dissent.

But until the next election, he remains the Head of State — and the office he occupies must be respected.

Not for the man, but for the institution. When we destroy respect for that office, we weaken the very democracy that allows us to protest freely today. We also cheapen our very institutions that the Gen Z want held accountable for their actions.

To the Gen Z: you are a gift to this nation. You are, possibly, our last line of defence against a political system that has long taken the people for granted. A system that has ignored the cries of the common man.

But let not pride and arrogance creep into your ranks. Let not the thrill of momentum turn into a thirst for chaos. Your movement is powerful — but that power must be guided by humility and purpose.

There is a widening divide in our society — not just politically, but spiritually and morally. The valley is galloping toward sacred ground: our national unity, our peace, our ability to disagree without destroying one another.

You have already changed the course of our history. But now, the harder task begins: to remain grounded, focused, and peaceful in your pursuit of justice.

Kenya is listening. The world is watching. Do not let the promise of this moment be lost to the poison of extremism.

-The writer is Wajir South MP