‘Gen Z are status quo children traumatized by sudden loss of privilege’ – David Ndii
By Ascah Mwango, December 24, 2024
Economist David Ndii has criticized Generation Z, claiming they are struggling with the sudden loss of privileges and benefits they enjoyed under the previous administration.
In a statement shared via his X account on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, Ndii labelled them “status quo children” and accused them of being easily manipulated by forces opposed to the current government.
“The Gen Z grievance is not a continuation of the struggle. They are status quo children traumatized by sudden loss of privilege and public largesse they enjoyed in the previous regime. That’s why they were so easily weaponized by the counter-reformist forces. Normal service has resumed,” Ndii declared.
The GenZ grievance is not a continuation of the struggle. They are status quo children traumatized by sudden loss of privilege and public largesse they enjoyed under Kenyatta. That’s why they were so easily weaponized by the counter-reformist forces. Normal service has resumed. https://t.co/BHpjAkrwMC
— David Ndii (@DavidNdii) December 24, 2024
Ndii on Gen – Z
This is not the first time Ndii has dismissed the Gen Z-led movement. Back in August 2024, he expressed doubt about their potential to drive meaningful political change, particularly after their involvement in nationwide anti-government protests.
He characterized their movement as middle-class “good governance” politics challenging the entrenched “maendeleo” politics of the political elite.
“Prof. I don’t think Gen Z is a revolt. I see it as the emergence of middle-class ‘good governance’ politics challenging patrimonial ‘maendeleo’ politics. The political class have decided to circle their wagons around maendeleo politics, believing that the numbers are on their side,” he said at the time.
Ndii further argued that political change requires more than just activism. According to him, successful movements need three essential elements: ideas, and funding, none of which, he claimed, Gen Z currently possesses.
“They have their work cut out. Politics needs ideas, money, and troops. They have none of the three at the moment,” he added.