Morara Kebaso explains why Gen Z protests failed and what must change

Activist and INJECT Party leader Morara Kebaso has weighed in on the recent Gen Z-led protests in Kenya, offering an analysis of why he believes the movement failed to achieve its desired impact.

In his view, the protests lacked strategic direction and were marred by reckless rhetoric from fringe groups like the so-called FBI, who Kebaso believes did more harm than good.

Taking to his X account on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, Kebaso warned that statements made online suggesting violent confrontation with the state were not only dangerous but also deeply misguided. According to him, such talk signals a poor understanding of what it truly takes to take on a government and the consequences that come with it.

Kebaso questioned the real motive behind the group’s viral video, speculating that it might have been more about chasing clout than pushing for real change. He expressed concern that the video created confusion and risked delegitimising the broader Gen Z movement, which had been gaining momentum for its stance against poor governance and corruption.

Offering a breakdown of what it takes to wage war against a government, Kebaso explained that it would require much more than just anger and online bravado. He noted that successful armed resistance typically begins in regions with difficult terrain and a dissatisfied population, such as mountainous, rocky, or forested areas, which provide tactical cover and retreat options. Access to the sea or a sympathetic neighbouring country is also crucial, he said, as it allows the flow of military supplies, weapons, food, and medicine.

“Those are the kind of things that you don’t joke about. I am unable to understand what this FBI group was up to because if it is chasing clout, that is how not to do it. To fight a government in a war, you need the following things: 1. Regional land with disgruntled inhabitants,” he said.

Adding;

“The land should be rocky, mountainous or forested to give you retreat cover and geographical advantage. The area needs to have access to a sea or a border with a country that is unfriendly to the government. This will facilitate the flow of military supplies: weapons food and medicine.”

Ballot

Kebaso said any army needs people who believe in the cause, and they must be paid well enough to survive. He also stressed the importance of good intelligence and strong allies.

“You need information. And collecting information costs money. You also need allies whose interests are aligned with yours. Remember, the allies of the government will automatically become your enemies.”

He made it clear that the only realistic way to remove a government like William Ruto’s is through the ballot box.

“As long as the majority of Kenyans in the village are voting along tribal lines influenced by money, there will be no change. Those who have died will have died for nothing. Those who have been jailed will have been jailed for nothing to celebrate about,” he said.

He also offered legal advice to the group, the FBI, suggesting they either claim their video was comedy content or present a mental health report.

“The best chance they have is to say it was comedy content or get a diagnosis from a mental hospital proving that they have a mental disorder arising from job loss in the military or police. A mentally unstable person cannot stand trial in court.”

On the issue of speaking truth to power, Kebaso defended his past work and told others to be responsible when raising their voice.

“Anyone inspired by my confidence should know that everything I used to say about the government in Vampire Diaries came from deep research and irrefutable evidence. If you gather the courage to speak up, do so from a point of accurate information.”

He also reflected on the Gen Z protests, which he said were Kenya’s best chance at change but failed due to several issues.

“Gen Z revolution was the only chance to overthrow the system, but it was infiltrated by commercial activism, infighting fueled by NIS propaganda, lack of trust, tribal politics etc. I hope it rises again someday, stronger with purpose driven by lessons from past failure,” he concluded