Pulse Kenya is the most followed news and entertainment platform in Kenya. It informs and engages young Kenyans around the clock and provides updates by the hour.

Pulselive Kenya

After a high-profile media roundtable with renowned journalists Linus Kaikai, Joe Ageyo, and Eric Latiff on Sunday evening, photos and videos have emerged, stirring controversy on social media.

Truth about reports of Ruto meeting 'Gen Z leaders' at State House | Pulselive Kenya

Denis Mwangi

After a high-profile media roundtable with renowned journalists Linus Kaikai, Joe Ageyo, and Eric Latiff on Sunday evening, photos and videos have emerged, stirring controversy on social media.

The images show President William Ruto in a similar setup with a group of young individuals, leading many to speculate that he was meeting with so-called Gen Z leaders.

However, these claims do not accurately reflect the context of the meeting.

The gathering was not a political strategy session with Gen Z leaders but rather an interview with selected young content creators from the digital space.

President William Ruto with digital media creators at State House on June 30, 2024

This is seen as President Ruto's attempt to tap into the growing influence and reach of digital content creators in shaping public opinion and discourse.

The <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/news/local/7-key-factors-driving-gen-zs-political-awakening-in-kenya/09l0e9g">young generation has been at the forefront</a> of the anti-tax and anti-government protests.

President Ruto has extended an olive branch for the young people to stop the street protests and <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/news/local/maina-kagenis-bold-message-to-kenyan-gen-zs-on-dialogue-with-rutos-government/ywgn9wk">explore dialogue with the government</a>.

However this has been a headache for the government because many young people have severally claimed they don't have leaders and are not interested in a dialogue.

They say that the government knows what needs to be done and call for action instead of a dialogue, which has been seen as a move to pacify the agitated population.

Nevertheless, during the interview, President Ruto invited young Kenyans to a dialogue via X (Twitter) Space on Thursday, July 4, or Friday, July 5.

“Tell me who among you is going to set up the X Space and either Thursday or Friday, I will be there. I want us to discuss taxation, unemployment, corruption, and all issues,” he said.

<h3>Role of Gen Z in the protests </h3>

Generation Z has played a significant role in the protests against the Finance Bill 2024 in Kenya.

This demographic, characterised by their tech-savvy nature and strong online presence, has been instrumental in mobilising and sustaining the demonstrations.

Digital Mobilisation

Gen Z has effectively <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/news/local/ai-and-tech-tools-usher-new-era-of-activism-by-gen-z-and-millennials-in-kenya/fcb75mz">utilised social media platforms to organise protests</a>, share information, and garner international attention.

Hashtags like #RejectFinanceBill2024 and #RutoMustGo have trended on Twitter, amplifying the movement's reach and visibility globally​

On-ground Participation

Young people have been at the forefront of the physical protests, demonstrating their willingness to challenge policies they find unjust.

In cities like Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret, and Nakuru, Gen Z protesters have taken to the streets in large numbers, voicing their discontent and demanding action​.

Protests against the Finance Bill 2024 in Nairobi

READ: <a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/news/local/10-instances-humanity-came-alive-during-anti-finance-bill-protests/hhhv9eh">10 instances humanity came alive during anti-Finance Bill protests [Videos]</a>

Creative Expression

Through placards, graffiti, and street art, Gen Z has expressed their opposition to the bill creatively.

These visual elements have not only captured media attention but also conveyed the protesters' messages powerfully and succinctly​​.

Global Solidarity

The protests have received international support, partly due to the efforts of Gen Z activists.

Influential figures and organisations worldwide have echoed the protesters' demands, demonstrating the power of global solidarity driven by young people​​.

Resilience and Defiance

Despite the heavy-handed response from law enforcement, including the use of tear gas and live ammunition, Gen Z protesters have remained resilient.

Truth about reports of Ruto meeting 'Gen Z leaders' at State House

Business

lifestyle

Entertainment

News

Politics

Local

World

Celebrities

Music

Movies

Sports 

Fashion

Beauty & Health

Relationships & Weddings

Food & Travel

Lifestyle

Domestic

International 

Explore categories

The Pulse Influencer Awards has been set up to recognize and highlight bright lights in the influencer space in Kenya who are building active engaged communities around their niche or craft.

Influencer Awards

Company Pages

Breaking News & Top Stories | Pulselive Kenya

Pulse Kenya

Video

Checkout our authors for the latest content across entertainment, sports, business and more. Be first to receive exclusive updates with your free subscription straight to your phone | Pulselive Kenya

Authors | Pulselive Kenya

| Pulselive Kenya

Read the latest news across entertainment, sports, business and more. Be first to receive exclusive updates with your free subscription straight to your phone | Pulselive Kenya

Search for the latest content across entertainment, sports, business and more. Be first to receive exclusive updates with your free subscription straight to your phone | Pulselive Kenya

Search Results | Pulselive Kenya

Watch the latest videos across entertainment, sports, business and more. Be first to receive exclusive updates with your free subscription straight to your phone| Pulselive Kenya