In a statement delivered at Bunge La Wananchi in Jacaranda, the youth group known as Gen Z addressed President Ruto and the nation following last Tuesday’s protests. The group acknowledged the participation of Kenyans who took to the streets and urged those who remained at home to join in this week’s demonstrations.
“Ruto, we promised to show up in last Tuesday’s protest, and true to our words, we did, and the results were loud and clear,” they declared. The group expressed gratitude to all participants and called for even greater numbers in the upcoming protests, promising that “this week’s protests to occupy everywhere will be bigger than Ruto’s ego.”
Despite President Ruto conceding to their demands and dismissing the Finance Bill, Gen Z remained skeptical. “We are not fools. A tomato that says it is an orange is still a tomato. We press on,” they stated, signaling their intent to continue their campaign reiterating that “Saba Saba inakuja” (Saba Saba is coming), adding that freedom is around the corner.
Responding to perceived threats from the government, Gen Z’s resolve has only strengthened. They accused President Ruto of acting not as a leader or statesman, but as a war criminal. “You cannot declare war against 50 million Kenyans. We will defeat you,” thisproclaimed, emphasizing that deploying the military would not deter their efforts.
“The military are always for the people and not like oppressive regimes. They are with you,” they assured fellow Kenyans, urging them to come out in large numbers once again on Tuesday and Thursday. They firmly repeated their call for President Ruto to step down, stating, “you are not our leader. You are our killer.”
As Saba Saba Day approaches, Gen Z concluded their statement with message of hope: “Freedom is indeed within reach.”
The video below has the full speech in which Gen Z said Saba Saba inakuja” meaning Saba Saba is coming so freedom is arouThursdayorner.