The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has encouraged Generation Z to keep advocating for their rights, highlighting the growing influence of youth in Kenyan politics.
Speaking at the funeral of his cousin, Kibathi Muigai, on Friday, Kenyatta emphasized that the younger generation represents the future of the nation’s political landscape.
He urged them to “stand up and fight for your rights” and ensure they receive their rightful share of resources, adding, “everything is worth fighting for.” He stressed that individuals should not passively allow others to take what they’ve worked hard for, noting, “The world doesn’t work that way, we are behind you.”
Uhuru’s comments come amid increasing criticism from young people directed at President William Ruto, particularly on social media. This follows a meeting between the two leaders at Uhuru’s Ichaweri home last month.
The criticisms have led to government actions targeting social media, including new regulations requiring platforms to establish a physical presence in Kenya. This move aims to address what the government describes as the misuse of digital platforms. It follows months of online hostility against top officials, including controversial posts featuring President Ruto and other leaders in offensive cartoons.
In response, there have been several reports of youth abductions, allegedly linked to the National Intelligence Service’s efforts to combat disinformation, harassment, and online incitement. The Interior Ministry has met with representatives from telecom and social media companies, signaling possible actions against platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and others.
While these regulatory steps are seen as efforts to ensure greater accountability, they have raised concerns among civil society and some citizens who view them as attempts to restrict free speech. The government has previously faced accusations of using such measures to suppress opposing views online.
