From the Streets to the State: How Some Betrayed Gen Z’s Fight for Power and Pay

Nairobi –
They were the voices of a generation. Brave. Uncompromising. Ready to face tear gas and disappearances to demand a better Kenya.

But one year later, many of those who led Kenya’s 2024 Finance Bill protests are no longer chanting in the streets — they’re sitting in government offices, drawing salaries, and staying silent.

To some of their peers, it feels like betrayal.

“We risked our lives while they negotiated jobs,” said 22-year-old Cynthia Wairimu, who volunteered as a first responder during last year’s protests. “Now they’re paid, and we’re left with scars.”

From Resistance to Recruits

The protests that shook Kenya in June 2024 were historic. Sparked by a deeply unpopular Finance Bill, the demonstrations spread like wildfire — mostly led by Gen Z activists on X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok. They called out corruption, poor leadership, and a system that had long ignored them.

Among the most prominent voices were Gabriel Oguda, a sharp-tongued commentator; Kasmuel McOure, an X Space moderator and youth organiser; and Morara Kebaso, a fearless voice who helped keep the protests coordinated online.

All three are now off the streets.

Oguda was abducted during the protests but reappeared shortly after — and is now working within the government, attached to the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary.

McOure, once a consistent presence in the protest planning circles, has also taken up a position within a state agency. His social media accounts have gone silent.

Kebaso has formally announced his departure from politics altogether. “This is no longer my path,” he posted online earlier this year. “I’m grateful for the journey.”

To many, it feels like the movement’s fire was doused — not by water cannons, but by quiet deals and job offers.

“It’s the oldest trick in Kenyan politics,” said political analyst Brenda Otieno. “You absorb the loudest critics, and suddenly the noise dies down.”

And the Revolution Was Televised -But Not Delivered

What stings more for many young Kenyans is that while some of their own joined government, it’s veteran politicians like Raila Odinga who now appear to be reaping the benefits of their rebellion.

Odinga, who largely watched the 2024 protests from a distance, is now at the centre of government negotiations and national dialogue. His allies are back at the table. Some believe the protest momentum opened doors he didn’t have to knock on.

“Raila didn’t march. He didn’t get arrested. He didn’t get abducted,” said 20-year-old activist Kevin Muli. “But now he’s the one shaking hands in State House.”

While opposition leaders call this “strategy,” young activists call it theft.

“They stole our sacrifice,” Muli added.

What About the Missing?

While former protest leaders find new roles in government, the families of at least eight Kenyans abducted during the 2024 protests are still waiting -for justice, for answers, or even a body to bury.

Rights groups including the Law Society of Kenya and Missing Voices Kenya say investigations have stalled. The government has denied responsibility, and no one has been held accountable.

One mother, whose son vanished after a protest in Nairobi’s CBD, told reporters, “They say things are better now. But for who? My son never came back.”

A New Generation, More Guarded

As fresh protests gather in 2025, the energy is back -but the mood is different. Protesters are more cautious. Leaders are more anonymous. And trust is in short supply.

“Last year’s leaders showed us how easy it is to switch sides,” said Faith Achieng’, 21, one of this year’s organisers. “This time, we won’t follow names. We follow the cause.”

She and others are building what they call a “leaderless revolution.” No spokespeople. No central command. Just shared goals and decentralised action.