HUSSEIN KHALID: We're at the inflection point as a nation

It's indeed a sad chapter in the history of our country that we've lost these many youths while merely exercising their constitutional rights to peacefully protest and make their feelings known.

It is even sad that their patient efforts to be heard were met with ridicule from politicians in the ruling party and top government officials trying to dismiss and besmirch their voices.

And the government went ahead, and rammed through the contentious Bill; and when they stood to say no, they were met with rain of violence, bullets, terror and anarchy. 

Their blood will not go in vain. The blood will water the tree of democracy and fundamental rights in Kenya.

In retrospect, all these would have been needless if the President practised the democracy he often preaches to his friends in the West.

It is indeed unfathomable to see those in authority, including the President and the MPs, outrightly refusing to listen to the voices of Kenyans.

Any move now to narrow the divide is too little, too late. Lives have been lost, lifetime injuries incurred and property worth millions destroyed.

That is why the gallant Kenyans are still saying they will be on location on Thursday to move on with their agitations.

The issue is now past the Finance Bill, 2024. It is about reviewing the set of rules of governance in our country.

We must reset the terms of how we are governed. It is the current terms of engagement that allowed conditions for not just conceiving the terrible ideas in the impugned Bill, but also the obstinance that has led to the heartless abductions, injuries and kills by the state.

It is the status quo that emboldened the ruling class to treat the taxpayer as trash while they splurge opulence mindlessly.

The country will never be the same again. The youth of our nation have shown that they count and will not repeat the mistakes of past generations to watch as the country's resources are plundered to benefit only a few.

The dead among them will forever be remembered in the annals of history. They are our modern-day heroes, our modern-day Mau Maus.

As we continue to march for justice, we call for peace and sobriety.  Our country is bigger than any single individual or group.

As a people, we remain steadfast in defending our nation, democracy and human rights. Together we remain strong. Together we shall overcome.

Former executive director of Haki Africa spoke to the Star