Kenya (MNN) — Young protesters and established leaders in Kenya continue to clash. A local partner with FMI says the streets of Nairobi are calm again after nationwide protests on Monday turned deadly. But the unrest is not over.
Bruce Allen with FMI says youth-led demonstrations have occurred in over a third of Kenya’s 47 counties. The protests began in June 2024 after a proposed increase in taxes angered young people. (More on that here.) In the year since then, the relationship between Kenyans and the government has become even more strained.
Recent protests have included vandalism, unfortunately. According to a report from the BBC, Kenyan President William Ruto said, “Kenya cannot and will not be ruled through threats, terror, or chaos.” Ruto has ordered officers to shoot protesters in the legs if they are seen vandalizing property.
“The president’s comments sparked nationwide outrage, and many Kenyans see this as state-endorsed brutality amid an already tense political climate,” says Allen.
One FMI-supported pastor says this wave of youth-led protests is more than just politically motivated.
“He says it’s spiritual and generational. He says the Gen Z protesters long for justice, inclusion in the national dialogue about sustainable policies, and a future with hope,” says Allen.
“[The pastor] calls them courageous and says they’re voicing the frustrations of many who are even in the older generations. Unemployment remains a critical issue, as does the high cost of living and rampant corruption within the government.”
In the tension, Kenya’s church leaders see the spiritual needs of the next generation.
“The Church in Kenya must rise to this occasion with spiritual clarity and gospel-centered action,” the pastor told Allen. “As many Gen Zs attend church physically or engage online, we have a window to disciple them, listen to them, and continually point them to Christ, the source of true hope and peace. The church must advocate for justice rooted in biblical truth.”
How to direct your prayers for Kenya
“One, pray for the peaceful resolution and meaningful dialogue between the government and the youth leaders. Two, pray for wisdom for the national leaders to listen with humility and to prioritize justice,” says a pastor with FMI.
“Three, pray for the protection of protesters and law enforcement officers so that they can avoid any more loss of life or injury. And four, pray for revival and reformation within the Church, so that it can be a clear voice of truth, peace, and healing.”
Header photo: Nairobi, Kenya (Photo courtesy of Story Zangu via Unsplash).
