‘Gen Z, Take Charge!’ – Gachagua Urges Youth to Lead Kenya’s Next Chapter

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called on Gen Zs to ensure they acquire national identity cards in readiness to vote in the next election, as they, alongside millennials, hold the power to shape Kenya’s future.

Speaking during a TikTok live session where he was hosted by a section of youth, Gachagua urged young people to make every effort to ensure they are not left out of the upcoming polls.

During the session, Gachagua touched on issues that have strained his relationship with President William Ruto. He took a moment to commend Gen Zs for their boldness in holding leaders accountable, expressing optimism about their ability to steer the country in a transformative direction.

“Let me tell my children, the Gen Zs, I love you so much, and you have the capacity to bring transformative change to this country. But I want to plead with you that what you are doing on the online space is not enough. You have a date with destiny. It is our young people who will create the right leadership in this country,” he said.

Gachagua reminded Gen Zs that Kenya’s destiny rested in their hands, urging them to take this responsibility seriously. He praised their use of social media to influence leadership, acknowledging that their digital activism had already impacted governance. He encouraged them to continue harnessing digital platforms with even greater vigor and purpose.

Describing social media as a revolutionary tool, Gachagua reflected on how far the country had come from the days when governments could manipulate mainstream media to suppress unfavorable narratives.

“In terms of social media, it is a revolution. You know, long ago, when we only had KBC, the government could censor news and control what people knew. Today, even if you bribe the mainstream media not to air what Rigathi Gachagua has said, social media will still broadcast it. By the time we get to the evening news, people on social media will already know what has happened,” he noted.

Gachagua, who was recently confronted at a burial in Kiambu, highlighted how social media had become a tool for transformation and oversight in Kenya.

He also addressed recent comments by President William Ruto, who suggested that Gen Zs must embrace discipline to curb the wave of abductions plaguing the country. Ruto’s remarks followed a surge of protests over the disappearance of over ten young people, most of whom were known critics of the government. The incidents sparked outrage from activists and human rights groups, leading to calls for demonstrations.

Defending the youth, Gachagua insisted that no one had the authority to dictate how they used social media. He stressed that this era marked a turning point in Kenya’s history.

“I want to urge you to continue using social media as a tool for change and as an oversight mechanism for this country. Our young people, we salute you, and let no one call you criminals. Let no one tell us, as parents, that we have raised our children poorly,” he concluded.

Article By Suzy Nyongesa.