Why Old Tools of Repression Can’t Suppress a Digitally Empowered Generation
Editor’s note: In this piece, Billy Mijungu, a practitioner in public policy, governance, and youth advocacy, examines the Kenyan government’s recent curbs on freedom of movement against the backdrop of rising Gen Z-led civic protests. Reflecting on the suspension of night rail services and sudden roadblocks, Mijungu argues that these subtle state actions mirror an undeclared state of emergency. He calls for a leadership model grounded in accountability and dialogue, warning that failure to engage with the youth’s growing political consciousness may lead the country into deeper unrest.
When the Government of Kenya suddenly suspends the Standard Gauge Railway night passenger services from Mombasa to Nairobi at 10pm, it is not just a transportation decision. It is a signal, perhaps unintentional, that resonates with the invisible yet powerful undercurrents of a nation in tension.
Source: Getty Images
When roadblocks mushroom overnight in satellite towns around Nairobi, the picture becomes even clearer. Movement is not only disrupted; it is restrained. People are stopped, questioned, delayed or turned back. What is being implied, without being explicitly stated, is a state of silent emergency.
In Kenya’s history, we have known formal states of emergency. They come with gazette notices, military patrols, curfews and an official communication that national security is under threat. What we are seeing now is different.
Although there is no public proclamation, the intent is evident. The youth, especially the Gen Z demographic, have recently taken ownership of civic space in a manner never seen before.
Generation rewriting civic engagement
Their protests are not rooted in party politics, nor are they orchestrated by old-school activists. They are spontaneous, decentralised and fueled by raw conviction. And that is precisely what makes them formidable.
The government appears to be reacting to this wave with measures that amount to control through fear and limitation of freedom of movement. But what is missing is long-term thinking. This cannot be about President William Ruto alone. This is about the future of Kenya as a state, about how we govern and how we react to dissent.
Any democratic government must have the capacity to listen, adapt, and lead with empathy. And here, leadership is not about the display of power; it is about accepting accountability.
We are entering uncharted territory, where a sitting president could one day be pressured into resigning not only because of scandal alone but also because the people, in their numbers and voices, demand accountability that cannot be ignored. The Gen Z generation is rewriting the rules of civic engagement. They are refusing to relinquish their constitutional rights and are willing to camp in the streets to defend them. These are not strangers. They are our siblings, our children, our students, our colleagues. They have decided not to sit back.
The way forward
The old tools of repression will no longer be practical. You cannot suppress a generation that was born connected, that knows how to mobilise, that knows how to speak directly to power without mediation.
The government should rethink its strategy, not in terms of security and surveillance, but in terms of meaningful dialogue. The attempt to suppress this energy through curfews, roadblocks, and disruptions of public services only radicalises what is essentially a peaceful, rights-based movement.
Source: Getty Images
The big question is: what will Kenya look like after the next wave of action on June 25th, 2027, and the anticipated rallies on July 7th, 2027? That will mark three years since the historic finance bill protests of 2024, and a new age of political consciousness will have fully emerged.
The traditional campaign machinery might become obsolete. The youth have now tested their power and will not relinquish it.
Kenya must choose the path of truth and transformation. To ignore the signals is to prepare for an inevitable storm.
Let us learn before we are forced to reckon. The stability of the state rests on the willingness of its leadership to listen, adjust, and stand accountable before the people it claims to serve.
The author is Billy Mijungu, a seasoned practitioner in public policy, governance, leadership, and advocacy.
Views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Linda Amiani (editorial assistant) Linda Amiani is a dedicated Multimedia Journalist and Editorial Assistant at Tuko.co.ke. With a solid background in broadcast journalism and over four years of experience, she has made significant contributions to the media industry through her writing, editing, and content creation. Email: linda.amiani@tuko.co.ke
Billy Mijungu (Public Policy and Governance Professional) Billy Mijungu is a seasoned practitioner in public policy, governance, leadership, politics, and management. With a wealth of experience advising youth, ICT & innovation, MSMEs, and education sectors, he has dedicated his career to driving impactful change across various domains. Mijungu's expertise in advocacy and strategic leadership shapes his insightful analysis of complex global issues.
