“Hashtags, Music and Water” the Mobilizing Ingredients of Kenya’s Gen Z Uprising: A Case Study of Digitized Activism As Re-Imagined Resistance

A newly emerging economy in Sub Sahara Africa recently experienced an unprecedented wave of street protest against unjust governance and economic systems mid-year 2024. Although Kenya frequently experiences politically motivated demonstrations agitating for increase in democratic space and rights, the recent street protests differed from previous types in form, character and method. The young protesters were different, well-informed, creative and educated youth devoid of political or ethnic affiliation, class and gender stratification seemingly inspired by their democratic right to participation and self-expression. Their singular aim was to check the government on its intent to burden citizens through tax in a proposed Finance bill 2024. Using innovative and colorful approaches, symbolic dress, speech, pseudonyms, modern liberation songs, memes and hashtags a peaceful start filled with fanfare and dance evolved into bloody confrontation with law enforcement, leading to mass casualties and fatalities. Observers identified unique features including mobilization strategy, dependence on social media platforms - Tiktok, Instagram, WhatsApp and X (formerly Twitter) leading to digitized activism and social networks providing buffers of protection and access. Subsequently an uncanny resemblance to Egypt’s uprising of 2011 and 2019, Arab springs and the “Occupy” movement of 2011 became apparent. Little is known through empirical study of the Gen Z experience before, during and post the uprising. The specific drivers, remain obscured. Using contemporary approaches and based on social constructivism as theoretical frames, in-depth interviews were conducted with 16 Gen Z youth selected by urban area of residence, class, gender and educational attainment. A postmodernist design was utilized to respond to the question “is digitized activism the new form of resistance?”, and to explore the performances and interactions shaping immediate and future meanings among the Gen Z, the newly activated agents of Social Change with grassroots mindsets and little interest in the boardroom.