Kenya’s youth adopt new style of anti-Ruto activism through grassroots civic education

Kenya’s youth have adopted a new form of activism, focusing on grassroots civic education to raise awareness about alleged corruption and mismanagement by the William Ruto government.

Moving beyond social media platforms like X and TikTok, young activists are now physically touring rural communities, informing citizens—especially those not on social media—about government failures. This movement is gaining momentum, with activists meeting people in homes, markets, and public spaces.

Leading this charge is Morara Kebaso, a 28-year-old lawyer and political activist, who documents stalled or incomplete government projects, accusing Ruto of failing to deliver on his promises. Despite threats and claims of being followed, Kebaso continues his mission, vowing to hold the government accountable.

Another key figure is Synthia Asienwa, an educational activist, who uses her platform to highlight the lack of quality education in rural areas, pushing for more teachers and better school infrastructure. Asienwa argues that the promises of affordable education for all have not been fulfilled, calling the current funding model discriminatory.

While government officials have accused the activists of misleading the public, the Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, acknowledged the importance of listening to the people. Political analysts believe this activism is putting pressure on Ruto’s administration, with the youth demanding action ahead of the 2027 elections. Whether this activism will be sustained long-term remains to be seen.