An open letter to Gen Zs: Let us not forget the lessons of 2024

History does not move in straight lines, it moves in circles, and if we are not careful, we are bound to return to the very pits we fought so hard to climb out of. The 2024 Gen Z revolt reminded us, in the loudest voice possible, that the people of Kenya are the true custodians of power.

It was a moment when the sons and daughters of ordinary wananchi stood tall and shook the pillars of corruption and impunity that have mocked us for decades.

But revolutions are not complete the day we pour into the streets. Revolutions are completed when we turn that energy into lasting change, when the ballot reflects the chants of the streets. And that, my friends, is where our greatest test lies.

In 2024, we made an agreement with ourselves and with history: that every Member of Parliament who voted YES to the oppressive finance bill would face the wrath of the people. No matter how sweet their money, no matter how tempting their promises, and no matter how flashy their manifestos, we resolved that they should never again sit in office on the back of our votes.

Because let us be honest: if they ignored us when it mattered most, they will never listen when they are comfortably sitting close to power.

These MPs, and their accomplices in power must be sent into political exile. They need time away from power to reflect, to learn humility, and to understand that leadership is service, not business. That is the only way our democracy can grow teeth.

But it doesn’t end there. For too long, young people have been used as voting machines and cheering crowds. The same politicians who call us "leaders of tomorrow" are the ones who sell tomorrow for their selfish gains. That lie must end with us.

This time, we must take our place at the table. Not as beggars waiting for a seat, but as leaders occupying the seats. We must have our direct voices inside the county assemblies and national parliament. Because power is not just shouted in the streets, it is also negotiated and defended inside the chambers where laws are made.

Imagine a parliament where instead of the old tired voices auctioning our future, we have Gen Zs speaking truth to power. Imagine county assemblies filled with young leaders who understand the pain of unemployment, the cost of living, the frustrations of being educated yet broke, and the dreams of a generation that refuses to be ignored.

We cannot just remain on the outside, forever shouting. If we truly want change, we must step in. We must prepare, register as voters in numbers, and most importantly, present our own candidates. Voices we can trust. Leaders we can hold accountable because they are from us, and for us. However, we must not make a mistake of fronting greedy individuals whom after after being elected, they fall prey to Executive's cheque and join their praise and worship teams.

And let us be clear: dialogue alone is not enough. When dialogue fails, numbers matter. If we have enough of our people in assemblies, no corrupt bill will pass. No oppressive law will survive. And no "corruption master" will feel untouchable. That is how you build a democracy with muscle, not just noise.

Gen Zs, we started something powerful in 2024. The system thought we would get tired and retreat to our comfort zones. They thought we would get distracted by flashy handouts. They were wrong. The next chapter is ours to write.

Let us not forget. Let us not forgive cheaply. And let us not retreat. The future does not wait, it is seized.

This is our time. And history is watching.

Yours,

Sebastian Karani Asava