Published by Thee Alfa House | FA Mambo Africa
A year after the June 2023 protests shook the political establishment, Kenya’s youth are back—and louder than ever. In a new explosive episode of FA Mambo Africa, activist-journalist Ademba Allans and spoken word artist Willie Oeba unpack the Gen Z-led civic awakening that’s transforming how governance and power are viewed in Kenya.
The Rise of Gen Z Activism
Ademba and Willie both agree: the protests aren’t over. If anything, the frustrations have deepened. With widespread police brutality, high youth unemployment, corruption, and economic oppression, young people feel failed by an older generation that refuses to step aside.
Willie Oeba notes, “We’re not fighting a generational war. We’re fighting for our survival, for justice, and to clean up a broken system.”
Ademba echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that “Kenya’s youth are politically aware now more than ever. We are not just on the streets—we’re pushing civic education, building voting power, and fighting for structural change.”
Police Brutality & Shoot-to-Kill Orders
The guests expose harrowing experiences from recent protests—including killings and intimidation of peaceful demonstrators. Oeba recounts how he was nearly shot by police in 2017, while Ademba shares first-hand accounts of protesters injured or killed, including the recent death of 22-year-old Boniface Kariuki.
Their message is blunt: “Kenya’s police force, once meant to serve the people, has become a tool of fear under this administration.”
Paid Activism vs Propaganda
Addressing rising accusations of “paid activism” and “external funding,” Willie and Ademba fiercely defend grassroots movements. They highlight that discrediting genuine civic efforts is a government tactic to distract from real issues. Oeba challenges critics: “If you pay musicians to entertain, why shouldn’t artists be paid for civic education? The issue isn’t money—it’s motive.”
What Must Change
According to Ademba and Oeba, the solutions are clear:
- Follow the rule of law
- Invest in youth and create jobs
- Reject tribal and party-based voting
- Elect leaders based on integrity and competence
- End impunity for police and political criminals
Oeba adds, “The revolution of the mind is the most important. If we want new leaders, we must first become a new kind of voter.”
The Bigger Vision: Occupy Parliament 2027
The episode ends with a powerful call to action: #OccupyParliament is no longer just a protest—it’s a movement to elect 290 progressive youth into parliament in 2027.
“They said we only belonged in the youth wing. Well, now we are the majority. We’re coming for the ballot box,” says Ademba.
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