The 'mother of all protests': Kenyan youths gear up for Nane Nane march

The Kenyan youth, led by Generation Z, have organised what they call the mother of all protests, also known as the 'Nane Nane' march, scheduled for Thursday, August 8, 2024.

The demonstrations set to be held across the country aim to intensify pressure on the government for accountability and call for the resignation of President William Ruto's Kenya Kwanza administration.

They are also poised to create a significant confrontation between protesters and the government, setting the stage for a major showdown.

However, the protests are taking place at a time when President William Ruto has incorporated members of the opposition into his administration in an effort to address discontent with his new government.

Among those approved to join Ruto’s government are John Mbadi, nominated to the National Treasury docket; Opiyo Wandayi (Energy and Petroleum); and former ODM deputy party leaders Hassan Joho (Mining and Blue Economy) and Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives and Blue Economy).

Ruto, while addressing Embu residents on Wednesday, stated that moving forward, Kenyans will work together on paying debts and collecting taxes. He emphasised that everyone will share responsibility, aiming to put an end to the blame game when issues arise.

"I formed a government of national unity to bring all Kenyans together. I want everyone to participate in building the country so that I will not be blamed... People have been calling me "Zakayo." We shall now be paying debts and collecting taxes together as Kenyans. We shall all be "Zakayo" so that this blame game when things go wrong can come to an end," he absolved himself of all blame.

Despite the nominations, the youth have pledged to continue their protests, accusing Ruto’s government of ignoring their concerns and the political establishment of undermining their quest for effective governance.

Inspired by the historic Saba Saba protests of the 1990s, this latest series of demonstrations will challenge the resolve of the revamped government, which now includes members of opposition leader Raila Odinga's ODM party.

The youth have actively prepared for the upcoming march by creating and sharing posters across various social media platforms with the schedule of events leading up to the day.

In the lead-up to Thursday, their action plan involves mobilising through TikTok, WhatsApp, and Facebook by creating and distributing videos, updating statuses, and sharing information with contacts.

President William Ruto addresses residents at Runyenjes in Embu County where he launched the construction of the Iriari Irrigation Project on Wednesday, August 7, 2024. (Photo: PCS)

To raise awareness, posters and messages about the planned demonstrations have circulated widely on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).

One poster reads, “The big day is almost here—August 8th, 2024, our second Independence Day. We are set to make history together. Our goal is clear: this time, we will not go home. We will gather at the CBD and begin our march to the State House to demand the president's resignation. Should the police or military attempt to stop us, we will remain undeterred. Our strength lies in our numbers and resolve. We will stay firm and peaceful.”

“On Thursday, we will turn Nairobi into a sea of tents and sleeping bags. Understand that this is not just a single day of protest; it is about sustained action. Bring everything you might need for an extended stay,” another one reads.

“If the President does not resign by 3 p.m. on #NaneNane Thursday, we must establish a thriving micro-economy to support our camp. We are calling on all Nairobi vendors to join us by setting up vibandas. Bring chai, mayai, samosas, smokies, and mandazi to keep us energised. Jua Kali artisans should bring small jikos for cooking, and patriots can provide makaa at discounted prices. We will need equipment for bonfires, which will serve as gathering points on cold nights. We will become a community where everyone plays a part,” reads another poster.

The undeterred youths are also demanding that leaders who fail to deliver on their promises should step down for the country's future.

“This revolution belongs to all Kenyans because we are fighting for a better life and leadership for everyone,” an X user said.

A song has also been composed to rally the youth ahead of the nationwide protests, and it is being spread on social media, encouraging a strong turnout.

“The day is coming when we will show them we have nothing to fear. We can see that they can't hear, so we say ah, ah, tarehe nane tokea,” the song lyrics proclaim.

Parents and guardians were also asked to support their children by providing transportation to the Nairobi CBD to enable them to join their fellow protesters.

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka addresses the media after witnessing President William Ruto sign the IEBC Amendment Bill 2024 into law at KICC, Nairobi, on Tuesday, July 9, 2024. (Photo: PCS)

“Parents, aunties, uncles, we know you've heard about #NaneNane, and we respectfully ask you not to buy into fear. We know you care about your children, but telling them to stay home is not the solution. Support your children in fighting for their future,” a poster read.

It continued, “This is their chance to make history. Look at the living conditions at home—food prices have soared, electricity and water costs are high, and we’re still paying off loans every day. Many of us are surviving on just one meal a day. Is this the life we want for our families?

“Instead of having your son or daughter stay home, why not encourage them to join their fellow youths in Nairobi’s CBD on this historic day? Send fare to your nephews and nieces in the countryside so they can come to Nairobi for the big march. This is your time to help.”

The Thursday protests will also demand justice for those who lost their lives during last month's rallies.

The protests, which started on June 18, 2024, have at least left 60 people dead, and 100 others injured, and more than 60 are either abducted or missing.

The controversial Finance Bill 2024 sparked the demonstrations, which later evolved into a rallying cry for the resignation of the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Despite the deaths, the youth appears unshaken by President Ruto’s stern warning last month, where he declared, “Enough is enough.”

Speaking while attending a church service in Bomet on July 21, Ruto vowed to “protect the nation,” saying he had already given everybody a chance to air their views. He warned that he would not allow anyone to cause mayhem and anarchy.

He, however, maintained that the new-look Cabinet will assist him in driving the much-needed and irreversible transformation of the country.

“The broad-based government is necessary to have a fresh start. The Gen Z protests were an eye-opener that gave me an opportunity to reorganise my administration to ensure inclusivity for the sake of harmony and development in the country. We are going to work on timelines that Kenyans have given us and some of these people have good track records,” Ruto said.