Kenyan youth, commonly called the Gen Zs, are gearing up for their first major wave of protests since President William Ruto formed his broad-based government.
The demonstrations, dubbed “The Final Revolution”, will coincide with Ruto’s second State of the Nation address on Thursday, November 21, 2024.
Plans for the protests, outlined in banners circulating online, reveal intentions to occupy key institutions across the country, including Parliament, where the President is scheduled to address a joint sitting of lawmakers.
Under the rallying cries of “Fixing the Nation” and “We Are Punching Up”, the protesters are gearing up for another round of protests in their continued push for reforms in the country as they demand that President Ruto steps down, citing frustrations over the state of the economy and governance.
“We are punching up! Carry water, your phone and the flag.” reads a part of the poster.
Moreover, Kenyans are using the hashtags #RutoMustGo to push the announcement online.
Since the Gen Zs began protests in June, the country has witnessed some major changes from the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024 to re-organization of political formations and the reconstitution of the Cabinet.
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The planned demonstrations will notably be the first mega protests since Ruto formed the broad-based government by bringing in key figures from the opposition to when he reconstituted his Cabinet.
Gen Zs announce protests
Also, the announcement comes after National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula on November 14 announced that Ruto will address a joint sitting of Parliament next on Thursday next week.
The Head of State will address Parliament, an institution that was raided by young protesters on June 25 over the Finance Bill, 2024 that was subsequently rejected.
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The address by President Ruto is in accordance with Article 132 (1) of the Constitution of Kenya that requires the President to address the nation once every year and at any other time.
Further, Article 132 (1) (c) requires the President to once every year report in an address to the nation, on measures taken and progress in the realization of national values.
Ruto to address Parliament
Additionally, the constitution also provides that the President shall submit a report for debate to the National Assembly on the progress made in fulfilling the international obligations of the republic.
“Pursuant to the constitution and Standing Orders 222, I wish to notify all members that a joint sitting of parliament will take place on Thursday at 2:30pm in the National Assembly main chamber,” Wetang’ula told the Members of Parliament.
Ruto will face the MPs as he addresses the nation at a time when there is looming introduction of new taxes, challenges in the health sector and talks of re-organization in the Cabinet.
The Head of State will also address the two houses when there are rising cases of abductions in the country with a number of people still unaccounted for since protests erupted back in June.
Even with the adjustments made by Ruto in his government, a majority of youth are determined to bring complete change by demanding for accountability and good governance.
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