Kenyan Gen Z Activism Is a Lesson to the Political Class to Address Public Discontent Afenyo Markin tells Politicians

The recent Gen Z activism in Kenya has sent shocks to the spines of politicians across the African continent. Top amongst them is Ghana’s majority leader, who has called on politicians to address the issues of public discontent.

Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, called on the political class to collaboratively take drastic measures to address public discontent to prevent the likelihood of agitations and a surge in demonstrations.

According to the Member of Parliament for Effutu constituency, reflecting on the recent protests that rocked Kenya leading to the death of about thirty demonstrators is a lesson to African politicians to do whatever it takes to protect the interest of the populace.

He added that, there should be a collaborative approach to resolving agitations irrespective of which political side one belongs.

He said, “The recent Gen Z activism in Kenya serves as a striking warning. To prevent such scenarios in Ghana, it is imperative that the political class collaboratively take proactive and thorough measures to address the underlying causes of public discontent."

“Our preoccupation with political manoeuvring should not blind us to the reality of public expectations. Let us recommit to a national agenda that not only leverages the potential of our youth but also unlocks the massive development potential often associated with a demographic dividend.”

NDC’s Member of Parliament for Odododiodoo constituency, Nii Lantey Vanderpuye who was a witness to the Kenyan protests and violence, called on all stakeholders to address the issue of youth unemployment which has plagued the country in recent times.

The Odododiodoo lawmaker said, “We should not be deceived. Yes, we can preach and preach and preach peace all the time. But when people think that the impunity of the political class is beyond their persistence, they will absolutely react."

“Today, as we sit here, the perception out there is that the executive is corrupt. The judiciary has become a political pawn. We, the legislature, are selfish and uncaring and they have low expectations of our ability to fight for them. And that is a danger,” he added.Kobina Darlington/