Nairobi: Elderly Man Spotted Demonstrating Alongside Gen Z Protesters in Nairobi CBD
- An elderly man stole the show during Nairobi’s Gen Z protests after he was lifted shoulder-high by demonstrators near the Tom Mboya statue
- Dressed in traditional African attire, he raised his walking stick in solidarity, drawing emotional cheers from the crowd
- The powerful moment bridged generations, symbolising that Kenya’s ongoing fight for justice and dignity is for both the young and old
Education is Your Right! Don’t Let Social Norms Hold You Back. Learn Online with TUKO. Enroll Now!
A powerful image of intergenerational solidarity emerged in the heart of Nairobi on Wednesday, June 25, as an elderly man joined Gen Z protesters in commemorating the lives lost during last year’s anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.
Source: Facebook
The elderly man, clad in traditional African attire, was spotted near the Tom Mboya statue in the city centre. Cheering protestors carried him shoulder-high.
Elderly man joins protests
Photos shared on social media showed him with a raised walking stick clenched firmly in his hand, becoming a living symbol of resistance.
Search option is now available at TUKO! Feel free to search the content on topics/people you enjoy reading about in the top right corner ;)
His presence directly parallels Kenya’s fight for independence and the modern-day youth-led struggle for justice and accountability.
The idea of the grandfather to join kids young enough to be his grandchildren was not lost on the crowd.
Many viewed his participation as a powerful reminder that the fight for a better Kenya is not new, but is part of a long, painful history of sacrifice and resilience.
“This is what unity looks like,” one protester shouted as others chanted freedom songs and waved placards bearing the names and faces of the fallen. “From the forest to the streets, we march as one.”
Source: Twitter
Why are Gen Zs protesting?
The demonstrations, which drew thousands of young people across major towns, are aimed at honouring the memory of those killed in 2024 during widespread protests against the controversial Finance Bill.
The bill, widely criticised for its potential to increase the tax burden on already struggling citizens, sparked nationwide unrest when Members of Parliament voted to pass it despite overwhelming public outcry.
“It’s been a year, and nothing has changed,” said a protester. “We lost our brothers and sisters to police bullets, and the promises made by this government have gone unfulfilled. We are here to say: we have not forgotten.”
Under the hashtag "SiriNiNumbers", the protests have evolved beyond mere opposition to a single piece of legislation.
Gen Z protests changing Kenya
For many Gen Z Kenyans, the demonstrations have become a broader movement through which they intend to push for systemic reform.
They are demanding better governance, economic relief, and a government that truly listens to the populace.
Arguably, the one commendable aspect about the Gen Z movement is that they are tribless, and largely plan their operations online.
That has made it extremely difficult for politicians to use the old trick of leveraging tribal affiliations to divide and rule.
As the chants echo through Nairobi’s streets, one thing is clear: a new chapter of Kenya’s civic resistance is being written, and it carries the voices of both the past and the future.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
