1 July 2025 | 12:36 CAT
3-minute read

NAIROBI / KAMPALA – As Kenya marks one year since the explosive social media–driven protests that shook its political foundations, the country finds itself once again convulsed by demonstrations against police brutality and systemic injustice. Meanwhile, in Uganda, veteran leader Yoweri Museveni again defies calls for generational change—seeking a seventh term at age 80.

Kenya in turmoil again

On June 25, 2025, young Kenyans across 23 of 47 counties recommenced mass mobilisations, echoing the anti-tax revolution of 2024 that claimed 60 lives, including those of Gen Z activists who notably stormed Parliament. This year’s protest, calling once again for President William Ruto’s resignation over police excesses and corruption, has resulted in 16 deaths and more than 400 injuries—many due to live rounds fired by riot police.

Protesters launched peaceful marches in Mombasa and Nakuru, but Nairobi descended into chaos when police deployed tear gas and live ammunition. Demonstrators mourned the recent death of blogger Albert Omondi Ojwang, 31, who died June 8 in police custody—his passing reigniting national outrage.

On this week’s Africa Report, Sizo Nkala contextualised the unrest.

“Kenya has been plunged into chaos once again. So the Kenyan young people embarked on a nationwide protest against police brutality and government corruption,” he said.

Reflecting on last year, he added, “last year’s protests were… against a proposal by a government to increase taxes, which would have made life very difficult for the already struggling Kenyan population.”

In response, the Kenyan government instituted a media blackout—warning broadcasters against live coverage and blocking signals mid‑day—a move condemned by rights watchdogs as an assault on press freedom and public transparency.

According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, at least 16 protestors were killed, hundreds wounded, and dozens arrested. Western embassies urged restraint, warning against unidentified officers and hired disruptors. Yet Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen defended the crackdown, describing it as “preventing a coup” and branding dissent “terrorism disguised as dissent”.

Many citizens question why a government that withdrew the Finance Bill in 2024 can still justify such lethal force and media suppression. Nkala underscores the demand young Kenyans pose.

“They need to take young people as seriously and attend to their concerns and interests,” he said.

Museveni’s cling to power

While Kenya convulses, Uganda makes its own headlines. On June 29, state TV confirmed that 80‑year‑old Yoweri Museveni will run for the January 12, 2026 elections, seeking his seventh term in office.

Nkala characterised the move as a sign of entrenchment. “This is another really depressing development in African politics… Museveni has been in power in the East African country for 40 years now… since 1986.” Museveni’s ambition includes promises to catapult Uganda’s GDP from the current US $66 billion to $500 billion within five years—though he has yet to outline how.

He continued: “Museveni has held on to power through what I think are called constitutional coups… in 2005… term limits… removed… in 2017… age limits… removed… so he could stay in power.”

Indeed, Uganda’s Parliament has twice amended the constitution to eliminate presidential term and age ceilings, effectively securing Museveni’s grip on governance .

Under Museveni, opponents such as pop favourite turned politician Bobi Wine have faced detention or judicial harassment. Economic indicators paint a sobering picture: with GDP per capita hovering below US $2,000 and persistent underdevelopment, critics highlight the disconnect between grand promises and everyday livelihoods.

The cross‑continental challenge

The parallel developments in Kenya and Uganda expose a brewing generational and institutional crisis. In Kenya, Gen Z is demanding accountability, justice, and structural reform. In Uganda, a gerontocratic regime appears unyielding to democratic evolution.

Nkala warned, “Media freedom… freedom to protest… we still have a long way… to building robust democracies that respect people’s rights.” His final observation carries both empathy and resolve: “This is not the end of troubles for the Ruto administration… governments… need to take young people… seriously.”

What lies ahead

Kenya’s protests continue, with young people armed with smartphones and social media activism, undeterred by weapons or censorship. With international attention focused on live‑streaming disruptions and forced disappearances, these events could mark the tipping point from dissent to durable reform.

In Uganda, as Museveni prepares for yet another campaign, internal and external observers will be watching keenly. Will the promise of economic transformation sway a disillusioned populace? Or will it deepen the call for leadership renewal?

Either way, East Africa stands at a crucial inflection point—one where the aspirations of its youth challenge the pillars of old.

Listen to the Africa Report on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Junaid Kharsany.