In 2024, Kenya witnessed an unprecedented wave of activism, with activists leading protests over the controversial Finance Bill, which sought to impose steep taxes on essential goods and services.
The protests, led largely by the Gen Z, highlighted widespread frustrations with economic hardships and poor governance.
Activists leveraged social media to mobilize nationwide demonstrations, forcing the government to confront growing public discontent.
The sustained pressure not only led to the dismissal of several cabinet members but also resulted in the eventual withdrawal of the Finance Bill, marking a significant victory for youth-led advocacy in the country.
Activists who Made Headlines in 2024
Morara Kebaso
Morara Kebaso gained popularity with his unique criticism of President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza government with his vampire diaries.
He became a sensation on social media for his impersonation of President Ruto and his outspoken views on stalled development projects in Kenya.
He has been touring the country conducting spot checks on stalled government projects initiated by the Kenya Kwanza administration and posting his findings on social media.
On October 1, the Registrar of Political Parties Anne Nderitu, approved the registration of his political party, Inclusion of National Justice Economic and Civic Transformation (INJECT) Party.
The outspoken politician has been involved in political activism activities which has made him gain recognition among Kenyans and at the same time put him in trouble with the law.
Also Read: Morara Kebaso Profile: Background, Education, Career and Family
Boniface Mwangi
Boniface Mwangi, a prominent activist, was among those who organized the protests against the Finance Bill 2024, planned outside Parliament on Tuesday, June 18, during its voting.
The vigil, scheduled to start from 12:00 pm until the voting ended, aimed to urge Members of Parliament to reject the bill, which Mwangi criticized for imposing hefty taxes that would burden Kenyans.
Mwangi later announced a march to the Office of the President, seeking justice for Gen Zs.
He also organized the #ShujaazMemorialConcert at Uhuru Park Gardens on Saba Saba Day, a memorial event to honor anti-government protesters who were fatally injured by police while exercising their constitutional right to picket.
Kasmuel McOure
Musician turned activist Kasmuel McOure known by his stage name Kaskazini rose to fame during the Gen Z protests that led to the government dropping the Finance Bill 2024 entirely.
He was among those in the front line leading the protests in Nairobi Central Business District (CBD).
Since the protests, Kasmuel has become a household name in Kenya, featuring in numerous media interviews on politics and governance.
However, his approach towards politics and governance has won him admiration and enemies at the same time.
Kasmuel has faced criticism from some Kenyans for associating with leaders perceived to be pro-government, accusing him of being a sellout.
Also Read: Kasmuel McOure Profile: Education Background, Career, Age & Net worth
He captured widespread attention on August 8, when he skillfully evaded arrest during the “Nane Nane” protests in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD).
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In a viral video, McOure, clad in his signature suit, was seen sprinting away from a pursuing police officer and seeking refuge at the Nation Media Group (NMG) offices along Kimathi Street.
Kenyans on social media were quick to compare his speed and maneuverability to that of Kenya’s sprinting star Ferdinand Omanyala, with many expressing awe and admiration for McOure’s swift escape.
Hanifa Farsafi
Hanifa Adan, popularly known as “Hanifa Farsafi” or “Honey Farsafi,” rose to prominence as an activist during the protests advocating for the rejection of the Finance Bill, 2024.
At the height of the Gen Z protests between June and July, Hanifa spearheaded a campaign to pool funds to assist victims of police brutality injured during the protests.
The young journalist led Kenyans in a fundraiser through the M-Changa platform, successfully raising Ksh 31,663,580.
While raising such substantial amounts often sparks questions of accountability, Hanifa came under fire on claims that she had embezzled the money she had been entrusted with.
However, Hanifa proactively addressed these concerns by sharing a comprehensive audit report, detailing how every shilling was spent.
Other Activists
Bob Njagi
Human rights activist and chairperson of the Free Kenya Movement Bob Njagi was abducted and held incommunicado for 32 days by people believed to be police officers in August19, 2024.
The abduction happened during the Gen Z protests that rocked the country back in June and July 2024.
He was later found on September 20, 2024, in Tigoni.
He would later launch a campaign of collecting a million signatures to put together a popular initiative to amend the Constitution of Kenya to deal with some of the structural and systematic issues that the government is faced with.
Shad Khalif
Shadrack Kiprono alias Shad Khalif was vocal and at the forefront in protesting against the withdrawn Finance Bill 2024 which he termed as punitive.
He was one of the active Kenyans in the run up to the #Occupy Parliament Protests on June 18.
Kiprono came into the limelight on June 17 when he was seen distributing placards and flyers in the streets of Nairobi to aid in the anti-finance bill protests.
In a street interview with the press, Shad invited all Kenyans to show up for the demonstrations adding that he is not an activist, but the government
Julius Kamau
Julius Kamau, a political activist, came to the limelight after disrupting a photo session of former Treasury Cabinet Secretary Prof. Njuguna Ndung’u on Budget Day.
Kamau, who caused a stir in court on June 14, 2024, attributed his disruptive behavior to frustrations in life, citing his inability to make ends meet.
The activist again on September 3 disrupted court proceedings in the case against Boniface Mwangi and four others, accused of participating in Gen Z protests.
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