One of the Literature set books for this year’s KCSE candidates is, ‘A Silent Song and Other Stories,’ which is an anthology of 14 short stories. ‘A Man of Awesome Power,’ by Naguib Mahfouz, an Egyptian writer who won the 1988 Nobel Prize in Literature, aptly captures the current political landscape in Kenya.
In Naquib Mahfouz’s short story “A Man of Awesome Power,” the protagonist Tayyib al-Mahdi wields extraordinary powers to punish a news presenter for spreading government propaganda. Al-Mahdi’s act of making the presenter sneeze, trill, and suffer continuous diarrhea serves as a symbolic retribution for the dishonesty and arrogance of the authorities.
This fictional narrative resonates deeply with the ongoing protests led by Kenya’s Generation Z. The young people of Kenya, much like al-Mahdi, are standing up against a leadership marked by opulence, arrogance, and a penchant for empty promises.
Kenya’s leadership has often been criticized for its disconnect from the populace. Lavish lifestyles, evident corruption, and an unending series of unfulfilled promises characterize the political elite. The leaders showcase their wealth and power, often with little regard for the struggles faced by ordinary citizens. The government’s failure to deliver on promises of development, job creation, and social justice has led to widespread disillusionment, particularly among the youth.
Kenya’s Gen Z, equipped with a global perspective and a relentless drive for change, has emerged as a formidable force against this backdrop of political opulence and arrogance. This generation, born in the late 1990s and early 2000s, has grown up witnessing the stark contrast between the promises made by leaders and the grim reality of their lives. With high levels of unemployment, limited opportunities, and pervasive corruption, they are disillusioned by the status quo and are determined to hold their leaders accountable.
The protests led by Kenyan Gen Z are not just about addressing immediate grievances but are also about challenging the very foundations of the country’s political system. These young activists are calling for transparency, accountability, and genuine progress. Their demands are clear: they want leaders who are in touch with the realities of the common man, who prioritize the needs of the people over personal gain, and who can deliver tangible results rather than empty rhetoric.
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Social media has played a crucial role in amplifying the voices of these young protestors. Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook have become the new battlegrounds where the youth express their dissent, organize protests, and call out the excesses of their leaders. Hashtags like #EndCorruption, #YouthForChange, and #LeadersMustDeliver trend regularly, reflecting the widespread discontent and the demand for change.
The government’s response to these protests will be a litmus test for Kenya’s democracy. So far, the reactions have been mixed, with some leaders acknowledging the need for change while others resort to suppression and intimidation. The outcome of this clash between the young protestors and the entrenched political elite will shape the future of Kenya’s democratic journey.
The short story draws parallels between fiction and reality. Tayyib al-Mahdi’s fictional act of punishing the news presenter for spreading government propaganda serves as a metaphor for the actions of Kenyan Gen Z.
Just as al-Mahdi used his powers to disrupt the presenter’s deceitful narrative, the youth of Kenya are using their collective voice and power to disrupt the false narratives perpetuated by their leaders. They are challenging the opulence and arrogance that have long defined Kenyan politics and are demanding a new era of honesty, accountability, and genuine progress.
The ongoing protests by Gen Z represent a beacon of hope for the future. Their courage and determination to stand up against entrenched political opulence and arrogance inspire hope for a better Kenya. The leaders of today must heed their call and realize that the old ways of governance, marked by empty promises and a disconnect from the people, are no longer acceptable.
The youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the changemakers of today. In their fight for a more just and transparent Kenya, they embody the spirit of Tayyib al-Mahdi, using their power to demand a better, more truthful narrative for their country.
By Kamomonti wa Kiambati
Kamomonti teaches English and Literature in Gatundu North Sub-county
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