When the Dust Settles: A Soliloquy on the Protests #Reject... #Occupy...

The streets of Kenya are filled with noise and anger. Tear gas floats in the air, mixing with the cries of young protesters. Gen Z is out in full force. They are angry about high taxes, corruption, and human rights abuses. The Kenya Kwanza government, which promised to help the poor, is now the target of their rage. When the dust settles, what will be left? What comes next?

At first, protests are powerful. Anger and frustration burst out. Young people, fed up with broken promises, march in the streets. They hold up signs. They shout their demands. For a moment, it feels like the world is listening. But protests can’t last forever. Tear gas will clear. Signs will come down. Voices will quiet. The protest will end, and silence will return. In this silence, the real work begins.

When the dust settles, the energy must change. Protests must turn into plans. Anger must become action. Slogans must become laws. This is hard work. But real change comes from steady effort, not just moments of anger.

Photo by Hassan Kibwana

They will make plans. This is a chance for Gen Z to be heard. Now is the time to talk, not fight. Make clear demands. Hold the government to its promises, while paying homage to the lives lost, keeping vigil on the spies and pushing for the best in the present and future.

It’s easy to be cynical. Many times, protests lead to small changes, not big ones. But this time can be different. Gen Z has tools like social media to keep pushing for change. Use these tools to keep the pressure on.

Corruption is a big problem. It won’t go away quickly. It needs many different approaches. Transparency. Independent checks. Education for the public. Gen Z must lead. Demand honesty. Don’t accept empty words.

High taxes need to be looked at again. Economic reforms are needed. The government must make fair tax policies. Create jobs. Support new businesses. Share resources fairly. These are the demands.

Human rights abuses are a deep betrayal. Action is needed now. Make systems that hold people accountable. Punish those who violate rights. Trust can only be rebuilt through strong human rights protections.

When the dust settles, it’s time to think and plan. Protests are the start, not the end. Gen Z, strong and determined, must take the lessons from the streets into government offices. The path ahead is long and hard. But it must be walked for real change.

In the quiet after the noise, let the work of building a fair and just Kenya begin.