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South Africa’s opposition party the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has once again waded into the political situation in Kenya and lauded Gen Z’s protests against William Ruto’s government.

Gen Z have been on the streets agitating for accountability and a reduction of taxes, among other demands from the Kenya Kwanza government, and EFF says this is the right move by the young Kenyans.

“The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) proudly stand in solidarity with the courageous youth of Kenya who rose against the IMF and World Bank-sponsored Finance Bill that sought to impose immense tax hikes on the Kenyan people.

“We congratulate the youth for their relentless struggle, which has led to the complete scrapping of the bill and the dissolution of President William Ruto’s entire cabinet,” the Julius Malema-led outfit said in a statement released on Monday, July 22, 2024.

EFF also criticised the police for how they have handled the protests, which began as an anti-Finance Bill 2024 movement. The party said the law-enforcing agencies have acted beyond the permitted limit and should stop.

“However, we must vehemently condemn the Kenyan police’s use of intelligence organisations to suppress these just protests, which have now escalated to a call for Ruto himself to resign.

“The brutal killing of young protesters, both with live ammunition and through clandestine operations targeting youth leaders, is an egregious violation of human rights. The death toll of lives lost since the protests began is a stark reminder of the lengths to which oppressive regimes will go to maintain power,” EFF added.

EFF also voiced their concerns and opposition to a possible government of national unity between the Kenya Kwanza coalition and the opposition parties.

“The EFF also notes with disdain the flimsy offer of a government of national unity with opposition forces as a response to the youth’s demands for Ruto’s resignation and better leadership.

“This superficial concession is an attempt to placate the masses without addressing the core issues of corruption and misgovernance. The youth of Kenya must remain steadfast and resilient until their legitimate demands are fully met,” the party’s statement continued to read.

Lessons for Africa’s Gen Z

With the Gen Z movement gaining regional and international limelight, EFF says it is time that other youth in Africa, specifically in South Africa, should learn from Kenyans and demand proper governance from those in power.

“The youth must gear up and prepare for the fight of their lives against the rising costs of living, commodified colonised education, unprecedented unemployment, and deteriorating minimum wage and working conditions.

“Therefore, South African Gen Z must draw strength from the example set by their Kenyan counterparts and realise that they are in the midst of a battle,” it added.

While saying that President Ruto is losing his grip on power, EFF warned his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa, whom it says must now engage with the youth.

“This dismissive attitude mirrors the arrogance of Ruto, who is rapidly losing his grip on power due to his disregard for the youth. Ramaphosa should take a hard lesson from this and recognise the urgent need to engage with the voices of the younger generation,” it added.

The EFF added that they remain committed to supporting all efforts to achieve economic freedom and true liberation for the youth of Africa.

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