Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has come up arms blazing to defend the Kenyan youths, commonly referred to as Gen Zs, and their public outcry seen on social media.

Inside the Kenya Kwanza government, the youth have been on the receiving end of politicians, including President William Ruto, for being rebellious and opposing the government.

Speaking during the burial of Dagoretti MP Beatrice Elachi's Gen Z son on Saturday, Sakaja explained that the youth's bitterness stems from feeling unheard by their leaders rather than from rebellion.

''What you see among the young people as bitterness and anger is a cry, the problem is not our young people, the problem is us, the political class because instead of going down to their level and listening to them, we blame them,'' Sakaja revealed.

Kenyans running during anti-finance bill protests in Nairobi in June 2024

Photo

AFP

According to the governor, the time had come for the politicians to change their tactics and listen, humble themselves, and take Gen Z seriously. Referring to the politicians as parents, the governor challenged them not to ignore nor threaten the youth.

''We as parents, let us not respond to our children with arrogance, let's not ignore nor threaten them. The more you threaten them, the more you rile them up, and the more they resist,'' Sakaja warned.

The governor explained that the youth need stable leaders who can listen, communicate, and solve their issues with them.

Gen Z have been bold to challenge the Kenya Kwanza government and condemn anything wrong they do. This bold move has been viewed by the leaders as rebellion, leading to instances where the youths are threatened.

The youths use avenues like protests and social media to voice their issues. Chants and social media posts of 'Ruto Must Go' have become popular as they continue to drive the push against President Ruto.

Sakaja's defence comes barely three days after the KDF boss warned the youths against the 'Ruto Must Go' chants and campaigns.

Defence Forces (CDF) General Charles Kahariri warned the youth driving such attempts must ensure that they do so according to the constitution.

''When you decide that you are tired of the government you elected and then you start chanting 'Must Go', 'Must Go', that 'Must Go' must be done according to the Constitution," Kahariri warned.

Chief Defense Forces(CDF) General Charles Kahariri during a visit to the Kenya Navy, January 20, 2025.

Photo

Ministry of Defense