Looks like it's not over yet. Kenyan youth, Gen Zs, are gearing up for yet another major wave of protests following up the Reject Finance Bill demos.
This wave of Protests, will be first since President William Ruto formed his broad-based government incorporating opposition leaders in a government of National Unity.
The demonstrations, dubbed “The Final Revolution”, will coincide with Ruto’s second State of the Nation address on Thursday, November 21, 2024.
Plans for the protests, outlined in banners circulating online, reveal intentions to occupy key institutions across the country, including Parliament, where the President is scheduled to address a joint sitting of lawmakers.
Under the rallying cries of “Fixing the Nation” and “We Are Punching Up”, the protesters are gearing up for another round of protests in their continued push for reforms in the country as they demand that President Ruto steps down, citing frustrations over the state of the economy and governance.
“We are punching up! Carry water, your phone and the flag.” reads a part of the poster.
Moreover, Kenyans are using the hashtags #RutoMustGo to push the announcement online.
Since the Gen Zs began protests in June, the country has witnessed some major changes from the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024 to re-organization of political formations and the reconstitution of the Cabinet.
The planned demonstrations will notably be the first mega protests since Ruto formed the broad-based government by bringing in key figures from the opposition to when he reconstituted his Cabinet.
Also, the announcement comes after National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula on November 14 announced that Ruto will address a joint sitting of Parliament next on Thursday next week.
The Head of State will address Parliament, an institution that was raided by young protesters on June 25 over the Finance Bill, 2024 that was subsequently rejected.
The address by President Ruto is in accordance with Article 132 (1) of the Constitution of Kenya that requires the President to address the nation once every year and at any other time.
Further, Article 132 (1) (c) requires the President to once every year report in an address to the nation, on measures taken and progress in the realization of national values.
The Kenyan Gen Zs, successfully led to the withdrawal of the East African Country's Finance Bill 2024, through Nationwide demos, that led to the breach of Parliament as youths gained access to the National Assembly, in what was then dubbed 'Youth Revolution'.
