- Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah says Gen Z is silently preparing for a major return.
- Warns politicians not to mistake silence for surrender.
- Likens the Gen Z retreat to a ram pulling back before a powerful charge.
- Dismisses internal Gen Z divisions as minor distractions.
- Blames poor leadership and unethical governance for youth frustration.
- Emphasizes the Constitution as the only hope for real change.
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has cautioned leaders who think the Gen Z movement has died down, saying they are misreading the moment. According to him, the silence being observed right now is actually a sign of deeper planning and a strategic comeback.
Speaking on the Iko Nini podcast on Sunday, April 6, 2025, Omtatah described the Gen Z pause as temporary—comparing it to how a ram takes a few steps back before launching a brutal attack.
“This movement hasn’t died. It’s alive and preparing. A ram doesn’t just attack—it pulls back first. The Gen Zs have taken a step back, and what’s coming will shock many,” said Omtatah.
Gen Z Infighting? Not a Major Threat, Omtatah Says
The senator also addressed claims of division among Gen Zs following their earlier protests. He argued that the disagreements witnessed were only among fringe elements and not the core drivers of the movement.
Omtatah explained that during the 2024 protests, there were two visible groups in Nairobi—one marching toward Parliament and another heading toward Muthurwa. He believes the latter group represented the heart and strength of the movement.
“The online fights are from the sidelines. The real Gen Zs—the ones pushing for justice—are still standing strong. The movement toward Muthurwa had the energy of real, grounded citizens who understand the pain on the ground,” he stated.
Why the Youth Are Angry: Leadership That Keeps Them Poor
Omtatah strongly defended the frustrations expressed by Gen Zs, arguing that the system has betrayed them. He said it is not normal for children to grow poorer than their parents, yet that is what’s happening under the current administration.
“Normally, the child should be better off than the parent. But now, youth are watching the political elite grow richer while they struggle to survive. That’s why they’re angry,” he said.
Failed Predictions Come True: Kenya’s Slow Collapse
The senator recalled that years ago, he and Justice Njoki Ndungu had warned about Kenya’s future if proper reforms were not initiated. According to Omtatah, their predictions about collapsing industries, unreformed education, and unchecked cartels have all come to pass.
“We warned that if we didn’t build industries, reform education, and remove greedy cartels, Kenya would collapse. That’s exactly what’s happening. And it all comes down to failed leadership,” he stated.
The Way Forward: Leadership Bound by the Constitution
To fix the current mess, Omtatah believes only one thing can work—strict adherence to the Constitution. He says that if leaders are forced to operate within the law, even corrupt ones won’t be able to harm the country as much.
“If a leader is bound by the Constitution, even if they’re a thief, they won’t go far. That’s why I won’t support any group that’s not pushing for full implementation of the law. Promises like stadiums are distractions—we need real change,” he concluded.
