Prezzo UK's call to arms to Gen-Z is a rare declaration of war in peacetime

It appears that the Ichaweri Declaration, announced to the world in a last December 30-second video of bonhomie as former Prezzo UK and his successor, Prezzo Bill Ruto, has come asunder in equal haste.

Strangely, this came only hours after three politicians from central Kenya were appointed to the Cabinet, apparently to forestall a complete fallout between the current and former Presidents.

That’s a mischaracterisation of facts because a) the three appointees had lost in the last General Election, so any rapprochement would be null and void; b) Central Kenya had rejected Prezzo UK’s political direction; c) Prezzo UK did not concede to any deal with Kenya Kwanza.

What Prezzo UK said, and it’s worth repeating here is that the youth of this country, largely identified as “Gen-Z” and whose protests mid last year galvanised a critical mass that overturned a controversial raft of taxes, is that he associates and supports their efforts.

Further, he urged the youth to be unafraid, to go forth and challenge thieves who are stealing their future, and their “hard-earned” resources. If that wasn’t clear enough, Prezzo UK reminded them that the man they were burying last week, a first cousin from Gatundu, had emerged triumphant after being detained on trumped-up charges during the Kanu dictatorship.

That’s a very interesting turn of events as it means a) Prezzo UK is not afraid of State repression, the sort that was unleashed when his family farm was overrun by goons nearly two years ago and b) when his son had a spat with the law enforcers over guns.

I don’t know if Prezzo UK’s gun-bearing son is welcome to join in the street troops — the specific call was for Ngina, his daughter who likes to post historical flashbacks online — and if other youths should bring any arsenal in future street protests, besides placards.

Whatever the case, it could be that future protests might be led by Prezzo UK, even though he said his work is now done, and that the youth should pick the mantle and soldier on.