By In the wake of recent killings linked to police brutality, a new wave of maandamano is sweeping across Kenya, led predominantly by Gen Z. This generation, known for its digital savviness and strong sense of justice, is no longer willing to sit back and watch as innocent lives are taken in the name of law enforcement.
The Spark: Blood on the Streets
The anger is real—and justified. It began with the brutal killing of Albert Ojwang, a teacher. One of the five arresting officers told the family he was accused of insulting a police boss on social media. When Mr Ojwang was booked into Central Police Station at around 21:30 on the Saturday night he was allowed to talk to his wife via phone and assured her not to worry.
But his father was concerned and decided to follow his son, making the 350km journey to Nairobi – carrying the family’s land title deed as security in case it was needed to pay bail.
He says he arrived at the station early on the Sunday morning, and after being kept waiting for several hours, was eventually told that his son had died from self-inflicted wounds.
A postmortem was done and the results that he was killed. One of the police admitted that they killed him under instruction of their boss.
Then came the tragic death of Eli Joshua, a young man whose only crime was standing up for his future. These are not just names—they were sons, brothers, and part of Kenya’s future.
Their deaths, reportedly at the hands of police during peaceful demonstrations, have become a symbol of the growing culture of impunity within the security system. Instead of protecting life, law enforcement is now seen as a threat to it.
Why Gen Z is Rising
This movement is not political—it’s personal. Gen Z has taken the reins, using platforms like TikTok, X (Twitter), and Instagram to organize protests, share stories, and demand accountability. They are bold, fearless, and determined to hold the state accountable.
What makes this different from past maandamano is the leaderless yet organized structure. There’s no single political figure to arrest or silence. The voice of the people is decentralized—and powerful.
A National Call: June 25, 2025
A massive countrywide protest is planned for June 25, 2025, where Gen Z and other Kenyan citizens are expected to occupy streets peacefully, demanding justice for all victims of extra judicial killings. The theme is simple: “Stop Killing Us.”
This will not just be about those already lost. It will be about creating a Kenya where protesting isn’t a death sentence, where accountability is not optional, and where being young and opinionated isn’t a threat to national security.
The Real Effects
Fear vs. Courage: While these killings were meant to in still fear, they have awakened courage across the nation.
Unity Across Counties: From Nairobi to Kisii, Eldoret to Mombasa, Kenyans are uniting regardless of tribe or class.
International Attention: Human rights groups and global media are watching, and the pressure is mounting on the government to act responsibly.
A Wake-Up Call for the Government
If the state continues to respond with violence, it risks igniting a national rebellion it cannot control. What Kenyans are demanding is simple: an end to police brutality, justice for victims, and protection of constitutional rights.
This is no longer about politics—it’s about humanity. And as Gen Z has clearly shown, a silenced generation can become the loudest voice of change.
