A people's revolution: Why Kenyans are ahead of their leaders

There are moments in history when the people surge ahead of their leaders — when ordinary citizens see more clearly, are decisive, act more courageously and urgently yearn for change than those who claim to speak for them.

Kenya is living such a moment. A silent but unmistakable revolution is underway, and it is being led not from SUV sunroofs, boardrooms or press conferences but from the streets, markets, stadia, universities, even pubs and social media timelines of disillusioned yet determined people.

President Ruto’s recent tour across Central Kenya, Meru and Embu revealed a truth long hidden beneath the optics of choreographed rallies and state fueled propaganda. Kenyans are rejecting Kasongoism—that toxic elixir of deception, handouts, ethnic manipulation, and authoritarian populism.

 In the heart of Ruto’s presumed support base, citizens showed no fear in rebuking him to his face as he braved to walk side by side with them – king and subjects. And bribes galore, the staple of Kenya’s political playbook, failed to sway the people. The spell is broken. What remains is a crumbling regime clinging to power through state capture and borrowed legitimacy.

But alas, in the face of this historic opening, progressive forces find themselves lagging behind. As of now, no clear alternative vision is being articulated. No united front is rising to match the moment. There is no rallying cry to convert the people’s indomitable courage into co-ordinated political action.

This void is dangerous.

In the absence of a visible authentic leadership, the same old political faces – now led by the Ruto – Raila brothers - continue to retail their worn out rhetoric of unity and development. But Kenyans are no longer buying it.

The youth in particular, led by the fearless Generation Z, have already begun imagining the alternative: a tribeless, corruption-free, constitutional government that actually works—one that is debt free, prioritises jobs, healthcare, education, human rights protection and dignity for all.

The June 25th Movement, born of pain and principle, carries the torch of this unfolding vision. It echoes the hallowed sacrifices of the Mau Mau, the resilience of the second liberationists, and the spirit of the constitutionalists of the 1990s. But just like in the past, there is great risk that this struggle — watered by Gen Z ideals and martydom — could be hijacked by Johny–come- lately once they smell victory.

To forestall this, two urgent tasks lie ahead. First, we must forge an authentic, progressive leadership. But this time not courtesy of elite negotiations or backroom deals, but through open platforms that unite Gen Z, Y and other Gen Zote folks — the broader multi-generational masses yearning for the third liberation of economic democracy. This leadership must be strategic accountable, and rooted in the lived experiences of everyday Kenyans.

Second, it is mandatory we convert pain into power. The anger on the streets and village hamlets must be organised into a political force committed not only to resist but replace the status quo. This means articulating a pro-people alternative vision, building structures, and preparing to govern with integrity and competence - indeed servanthood. Kenya’s future will not be shaped by recycled promises or forced opportunistic alliances of convenience. It will be re-invented by whether or not the people’s current clarity and resilience is matched by equally bold, pragmantic and visionary leadership.

Let history not record that when the people were ready, their leaders were not; they were dithering, sadly fearful and indecisive. To the Gen Z, Gen Zote, progressive thinkers, grassroots organisers, middle class support base and all dreamers of a better Kenya—the moment is now.

-The writer is a lawyer and former Makueni governor