Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has explained why he chose to remain quiet even as Gen Zs protested across the city and the country.
Speaking on Friday, Sakaja said it was because he wanted to listen to what Kenyan youths were saying.
“I kept quiet because as a leader it is good to listen. There’s dignity in silence and listening,” he said.
He said from his silence, he was able to gather key things that the Kenya youths want, key among them, to be part and parcel of decision-making and the country’s development.
He said the youths also want radical transparency in everything those in power do.
“They want to know how much you have invested in projects, how much you have collected in revenue and how you have spent… Once you give radical transparency they understand,” Sakaja said.
The governor said the other thing the young people wanted was to do away with tribalism in the country, and they must be listened to.
Sakaja warned that the calm across the country at the moment does not mean that they have no reason to get agitated again.
He said only radical changes can save the country from the wrath of Gen Z.
“They don’t want tribalism. Our country must listen to the Gen Z… Calm does not mean peace and peace is not absence of agitation. Kuna kitu bado kwa roho yao. Unless we change radically in all institutions of authority.”
Nairobi was the most affected county with the Gen Z protests, especially in the central business districts.
Properties were destroyed, massive theft and loss of lives were also reported.
