Former Senate Majority Leader Samuel Poghisio has come out strongly against President William Ruto, accusing his administration of ignoring the powerful message sent by Gen Z protesters last year.

In a sharp critique of the government’s continued failure to address youth grievances, Poghisio warned that the quiet among Kenya’s youth should not be mistaken for contentment.

Speaking in an interview on a local TV station on Monday, June 16, 2025, Poghisio said the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition has shown little interest in reflecting on the issues raised by Gen Z during June 2024 mass protests, which shook the country and forced the government into temporary retreat on several policy fronts.

“Gen Zs may be quiet and silent, but they haven’t forgotten what they demanded,” Poghisio said.

“It’s been almost a year, and extrajudicial killings and abductions are still ongoing. Didn’t the government learn anything?”

Poghisio’s comments come amid renewed concerns from civil society and human rights watchdogs over persistent cases of police brutality, enforced disappearances, and lack of accountability within security agencies — issues that were central to the Gen Z-led protests of 2024.

The demonstrations, which were sparked by a combination of economic frustration, poor governance, and growing youth unemployment, posed one of the most serious legitimacy crises to Ruto’s presidency since his election. While the protests eventually subsided, analysts say the issues remain unresolved.

Gen Z 2027 factor

Poghisio warned that the youths are preparing for a bigger showdown at the ballot box in 2027.

“The Gen Z may be quiet, but they are massive and they are determined to vote come 2027,” he said.

“They might not be making noise on the streets anymore, but they are organising, watching, and waiting for their chance to bring change.”

The veteran politician further criticised President Ruto’s allies for underestimating the political momentum building within the opposition, and for failing to see the potential consequences of continued government inaction.

“The opposition is safeguarding their opportunity to take over power from Ruto. They do not realise is that once they come in, they’ll flip the ‘chapati’ and make it ready,” he asserted.

 The metaphor of ‘flipping the chapati’ he alluded to a complete reversal in power and policy direction should the opposition win the next election — an outcome he suggested was increasingly likely if the current administration continues to ignore the warning signs.

He observed that Gen Z, often dismissed as politically apathetic, is emerging as a formidable voting bloc. Many young people will actively register to vote and engage in civic education campaigns through digital platforms.

“This generation doesn’t care about tribal kingpins or old political deals. They want jobs, they want justice, and they want to be heard,” Poghisio said.

“And if Ruto’s government continues to ignore them, they will respond where it hurts the most — at the ballot.”