Official of Catholic Professionals in Kenya Highlights Gen Z “strategies” in Anti-Government Protests

The president of KMCP, a member of the Commission for Pastoral and Lay Apostolate of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), adds that the operation of the protests “is based on real-time communications on the movements and strategies of the caucus.”

A “new brand” of protesters

The genuine protestors were Kenyan youths, who “surged on holding together and posed for photos over fallen comrades daring the police to shoot them as well,” Mr. Mukundi notes.

He further recounts, “Young women posed for selfies with the police daring them to take whatever action and posting them to their virtual world while giving their bits of wisdom to whoever cared to listen.”

In his five-page statement shared with ACI Africa on July 2, the president of the Catholic Professionals in Kenya noted that “the usual image of goons was absent from the initial demonstrations.”

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It was unfortunate that “as days wore on, there was infiltration ... by criminal gangs that went on looting spree, burning houses and offices of leaders and other unlawful activities,” he laments.

Volunteers

The youths actively involved in the protests “have been sharing resources according to each one’s means,” Mr. Mukundi says, adding that “posters have been designed and published by volunteers.”

The genuine protesters have realized what the president of KMCP describes as “a true citizen-driven movement.”

The voluntary services of medics in the major cities, including those at the Holy Family Minor Basilica of the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi (ADN), was unique, Mr. Mukundi who is a Community Development & Strategy Consultant says. 

“Ambulances were donated that shuttled the injured to the hospitals for more care. At the Kenyatta National Hospital, a makeshift theatre was opened on the corridors of the hospital to give emergency care to those seriously injured,” he recalls, and adds, “This action saved so many who would otherwise have bled to death due to multiple gunshots.”

Mr. Mukundi also recognizes the presence of lawyers led by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), who offered pro bono legal services, including raising their voices against abductions and arbitrary arrests. 

The X forum

In his situational report titled, “The Political Eruption in Kenya, The GenZ Protests”, Mr. Mukundi says, “Meetings on X space were held with no time limit hosting over 60,000 participants in one prolonged session.”

He also recognizes the protesters’ “sanctions on the churches not to accept political patronage thereby benefiting from the proceeds of corruption.”

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“Several fundraisers in churches planned with politicians have been canceled in the last few days,” Mr. Mukundi says in his situation report shared with ACI Africa on July 2.

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.