Youth Leaders Call for Accountability in Embu County Governance

KENYA MARKS GEN-Z PROTEST ANNIVERSARY WITH RENEWED CALLS FOR ACCOUNTABLE GOVERNANCE
As Kenya commemorates the June 25 anniversary of the Gen-Z–driven nationwide protests, national attention has shifted back to the state of governance and the growing demand for accountability. The demonstrations, which were led predominantly by young people, signaled a generational awakening and a refusal to accept laws and policies crafted without public participation. One year later, activists and governance experts say the spirit of the protests remains alive, urging leaders to heed the public’s call for transparency, fairness, and inclusion in decision-making.
Central to the ongoing debate is the 2010 Constitution, which clearly states that citizens must be governed through laws they participate in shaping. Analysts warn that any attempt by political leaders to push unpopular amendments or introduce oppressive legislation without consultation risks reigniting national unrest. With political temperatures still high, commentators argue that the ruling class could face significant backlash if it fails to respect constitutional safeguards. Many Kenyans feel their voices were ignored in past legislative processes, and the anniversary has revived conversations about the need for genuine public engagement.
Several critical issues continue to dominate the public agenda, chief among them the persistent cases of police brutality that sparked outrage during last year’s protests. Civil society groups maintain that addressing police misconduct should be a top priority, insisting that no meaningful reform can happen without an overhaul of policing culture and accountability systems. Additionally, Kenyans have expressed fatigue over constant infighting among political leaders, calling for a renewed national focus on unity, service delivery, and economic recovery.
In line with these concerns, some leaders and activists are once again urging the establishment of a nationwide Truth and Reconciliation mechanism to investigate past injustices committed against citizens. They argue that Kenya cannot move forward without confronting historical wrongs, many of which have never been fully documented or resolved. As the country reflects on last year’s youth-led protests, the message remains clear: leadership is temporary, but the nation endures. The anniversary has become a reminder that Kenya’s future depends on a governance system rooted in transparency, accountability, and respect for the voices of its people.