Civic educator Morara Kebaso has expressed disappointment over what he terms Kenya’s return to tribal politics, barely a year after the historic Gen Z movement that shook the nation in June 2024.

In a statement shared on Saturday, October 11, 2025, Morara, who recently announced his retirement from active politics, lamented that the country has slipped back into the same political patterns that existed before the protests.

According to Morara, who played a key role during the 2024 demonstrations that led to several of his arrests, the movement that once defined itself as leaderless, partiless, and tribeless has now reverted to embracing ethnic politics.

He noted that Kenyans have gone back to recognising tribal kingpins and giving them the power to negotiate on behalf of their communities, a move he says undermines the spirit of the Gen Z uprising.

“Kenya has rolled back to where it was before the Gen Z movement. We are back to tribal-based political parties and kingpins who control and negotiate our future. As if nothing happened. Nothing changed. Families of those who died are still counting the loss of their loved ones,” he stated.

Morara went on to express his frustration at the apparent loss of direction among Kenyans who once stood united for reform. He said that despite the sacrifices made by protesters, some of whom lost their lives, the push for justice and accountability has since faded.

Change of course

He faulted citizens for abandoning the initial mission of demanding a total overhaul in leadership, accusing some of turning their energy towards attacking individuals who tried to champion their cause.

“Just because you spent too much time fighting, insulting, and trolling those who were trying to make a difference instead of focusing on our main goal, which was absolute and irreversible change. So sad. Very sad,” he said.

These come days after blaming activists’ infighting as the main reason that stalled the once vibrant Gen Z movement, which saw the president bow down to public pressure and drop the controversial finance bill.

“We lost the revolution for change the day we started fighting ourselves. Pulling everyone down, calling them clout chasers and projects for their courage and sacrifice,” Morara stated.