Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has issued a clarion call to Kenyan youth, urging them not to relent in their fight for democracy, justice, and better governance.
Speaking at the burial service of his cousin Kibathi Muigai at Nairobi Chapel on Friday, the retired Head of State took issue with the younger generation, accusing them of cowering in fear instead of boldly confronting societal injustices and defending their rights.
Uhuru Kenyatta decried the silence of citizens as their resources are plundered and poor leadership thrives, emphasizing that it is a betrayal of their own future.
He went further, challenging even his own young family members to actively join the Gen Z-led movement, insisting that real change can only come through resistance and unwavering commitment to justice.
“The problem nowadays is that everyone is scared; sijui mmeogopeshwa. Even you, Ngina, rudi uingie hii. Gen Zs, you are the future,” he declared.
“Fight for your rights, sio kukaa hapo mali yenu ichukuliwe na nyinyi mmeitolea jasho! Msikubali, pambaneni muhakikishe mmepata haki yenu, mnaskia? Sio kukaakaa hapo tu. Hakuna kitu kinadumu.”
Kenyatta’s remarks seemed to allude to a perceived targeting of the deceased’s children over their inheritance, a matter highlighted in the eulogy.
Drawing from the resilience of the departed, Uhuru Kenyatta reminded mourners that every battle for justice is worth fighting, stressing that silence only empowers oppressors.
He openly admitted that while he has retired from active leadership, he firmly stands behind the youth in their struggle.
“Everything is worth fighting for. If you don’t fight for it, ikienda mtu asilie. Stand up and fight for your rights!
Adding, “You still have the energy, the fire, and the will to demand what is rightfully yours. The world does not reward weakness,” he asserted.
Urging courage in the face of adversity, Uhuru Kenyatta called on young Kenyans to refuse intimidation and rise against systemic injustices, just as his late cousin had endured detention but remained unbowed.
“Live courageously like my friend did. He was detained, yet he never gave up. In the same way, fight for your rights. Don’t just live in fear…kuogopa ni sisi, nyinyi mko na nguvu ya kupambana na hawa watu. We are behind you, continue like that,” he affirmed.
Kenyatta’s bold message signals an unmistakable endorsement of the rising youth-led resistance against governance failures, corruption, and economic disenfranchisement.
His words will undoubtedly fuel the momentum of a generation unwilling to bow to intimidation or silence.
