Dear Gen Z, don't forget the events that have shaped the year; pick the lessons

By Sebastian Karani Asava

Dear Ambitious Generation,

It’s high time I wrote to remind you of lessons that, although loud and evident, are often quickly forgotten.

Corruption will not end today, nor will it end with us unless the current crop of leaders chooses to lead with integrity rather than dancing to the same tired tunes of greed and deceit. The rhetoric of change is empty when actions betray it, and we, the youth, must recognize that, so that we don’t take it from where they’ll leave it.

Let’s not delude ourselves about the neutrality of the church. Unfortunately, the interests of many clergymen often align with those in power, as evidenced by selective morality when handling political donations. 

Since the emergence of the Gen Z revolution, the streets have seen tragedy, with lives lost during protests for change. May the souls of all who died rest in peace. However, the battles fought have only brought more questions than answers. The choices before the president are painful but inevitable. They require a delicate balance, one that, if mishandled, could destabilize the country.

I must remind you that no one in power truly prioritizes the common person. Dividing ourselves along tribal lines, whether in government or opposition, only strengthens those who exploit us. It’s time we understood this and united beyond tribal politics for the sake of our future.

It Is disheartening to observe political hypocrisy. Those who were once silent in power have suddenly found their voices in opposition. The former deputy president, now a vocal critic, has flipped the script after impeachment. His change of tune speaks volumes, and the ambitious generation must learn quickly from this duplicity.

Governments often favor their own when it’s their time to “eat,” only to decry corruption when the tables turn. This selfishness is not sustainable, and we, as a generation, must rise above this flawed approach to governance. The focus should not be on how politicians manage their survival but on how they address the needs of the ordinary citizen.

President Ruto’s tenure has so far been defined by political manoeuvring rather than effective leadership. Appointing individuals with questionable integrity and using supposedly independent institutions to sanitise political messes has been a common theme.

Consider this: Former Deputy President Gachagua was under trial during former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration, yet his cases were cleared once he assumed office. Similarly, former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya was pursued by the EACC, only for the charges to disappear when he was nominated for a cabinet position. What does this say about our institutions and their independence? 

The church, too, has played its part in this charade. Religious leaders accept millions from politicians, only to return the money when public scrutiny intensifies. Meanwhile, youth and women’s groups, which genuinely need funds for economic empowerment, are ignored. 

Dear Ambitious Generation,

It’s time for us to take notes and act. Learn how to manage politics, not for personal gain but for the greater good of this nation. True leadership isn’t about survival, it’s about service. Let us chart a new path where integrity, accountability, and unity replace selfishness and division.

The future is ours to shape.