Kenyans, especially Generation Z (Gen Z) from different parts of the country, have taken to the streets to commemorate and honour those who died during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests.

The day is expected to see protesters pray and lay flowers at sites where youths lost their lives, particularly on June 25, 2024, when demonstrators stormed Parliament.

In the days leading up to the planned commemoration, Gen Zs on social media rallied for support and called for a large public turnout.

While some created memes, others posted dark-humoured comments. Many also informed their parents of their intentions to participate in the demonstrations.

One such Gen Z was Official Elina, who told her family that she was ready for the maandamano and asked for their prayers.

Elina shared a video recording of her phone call with her mum and sister on TikTok, explaining her plans for June 25.

“I wanted to tell you to pray for us. We’re going to the streets tomorrow and I’ll be on the front line,” she said.

In an unexpected response, her mother sarcastically told her to do as she wished.

“That’s your problem. How do you expect to be prayed for when you’ve decided to get into trouble? Let me not find you going to those things, young lady,” her mother warned.

Elina then told her mother that she had even been paid to show up for the protests, which were expected to begin early in the morning.

“We’re not even sleeping tonight, we’ll gather somewhere and wait for the day to begin,” she added.

Now visibly worried, her mother pleaded with her not to go to the streets and prayed for God’s protection over Gen Z.

Elina also called her elder sister with the same information, only to receive a harsh warning not to show up at the protests.

Tevin Macharia Mukabana:

"I didn't expect that shauri yako, wewe umechosha wazazi, eiii."

Tiffin:

"If your parents warn you, just listen to them na ukae."

Niha:

"She just said Mungu wa amani akutane na wewe mwana!"

Chebby Mercy:

"Mine literally begged me to stay, ati, you are so young full of life just sleep watch a movie or something, guess nani, ashaprepare."

Rey Gitau:

"I woke up vifuli za gate zilibadilishwa na mpoa wa mamangu atatembea nazo compound kaa masaai."

In similar news, reported that many parents expressed concern over the demonstrations, with several reaching out to their children about the issue.

Gen Zs took to social media to share screenshots and messages from their parents, urging them to avoid joining the protests due to potential dangers.

Nevertheless, many still expressed their determination to take part in the demonstrations despite the warnings.

Source: TUKO.co.ke