On the eve of the iconic Saba Saba Day, a day historically tied to Kenya’s fight for democracy, Lang’ata Member of Parliament Felix Odiwour, popularly known as Jalang’o, made a passionate and controversial address directed at Generation Z.
The youthful demographic, which has recently galvanized mass protests across the country through social media, is demanding accountability, transparency, and action from the government. However, Jalang’o’s cautionary message added a new dimension to the ongoing conversation.
In his address, the MP warned Gen Z to be alert to unseen political forces that might be hijacking their movement for selfish political ends. He urged the youth not to allow their genuine grievances to be manipulated by shadowy figures seeking to advance their personal or political ambitions.
According to Jalang’o, while the youth are the ones courageously protesting on the streets and enduring arrests, tear gas, and in some tragic cases, bullets—politicians are suspiciously absent when it matters most. “Young lives are being lost in the streets,” he warned, “while those who instigated the firestorms remain comfortably silent in their homes.”
What sparked even more controversy, however, was Jalang’o’s call for the youth to back President William Ruto. This statement came as a shock to many, especially given the growing discontent with the government’s handling of economic issues, proposed tax hikes, and the brutal response to peaceful protesters.
Many Kenyans online questioned the sincerity of his message and accused him of attempting to pacify the youth at the behest of the political elite. The remark has triggered a fresh wave of debate, with critics arguing that such a call is both ill-timed and insensitive, especially amid rising casualties and unrest.
The response from Kenyans, especially those active in the Gen Z-led movement, was swift and fierce. On platforms like X (formerly Twitter), many expressed disappointment and anger, accusing the MP of abandoning the same youth he once claimed to represent. To them, backing the president at this juncture is akin to endorsing the very system that has oppressed and dismissed their concerns. Some even labelled his message as tone-deaf, arguing that it ignores the economic hardships, high unemployment rates, and excessive taxation that Gen Z is protesting against.
On the other hand, there were those who interpreted Jalang’o’s message as a plea for peace and dialogue. These individuals argue that his intention may have been to encourage the youth to pursue change through institutional channels rather than destructive confrontations. They see his message as that of a leader trying to prevent further loss of life and bloodshed.
Nevertheless, Jalang’o’s remarks have undeniably deepened the ongoing national conversation about the ownership and direction of the Gen Z movement.
As Saba Saba commemorations unfold, the youth remain vocal and determined to hold leaders accountable. Whether Jalang’o’s plea will resonate or be rejected entirely by this generation remains to be seen. But one thing is certain—Kenya’s young people are awake, engaged, and not backing down anytime soon.
