By Murugi Ndwiga
Legendary Maumau war veterans have issued a stern warning to Kenya’s Gen Z, urging them to rethink their approach to protests and public demonstrations, especially ahead of the planned nationwide Gen Z prayers on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.
Speaking at a press briefing at Kamiu Chief’s Office in Embu, Chief Samwel Mugo of Manyatta Constituency said while it’s understandable that the youth are frustrated, taking to the streets without strategy or respect for law and order could destroy their future and the country.
“I urge Gen Z to listen to the wisdom of our elders. These Maumau veterans have seen more than we can imagine. They fought for freedom without looting or destroying property. We must learn from them,” said Chief Mugo, who has been a vocal supporter of the veterans and offers them a venue for their meetings.
The Maumau veterans, revered for their role in Kenya’s independence struggle, didn’t mince their words either.
92-year-old veteran Ignatius Nyaga, famously known as Shikashika, pleaded with the youth to rethink about their decision as this might cost them.in the future
“Gen Z’s you have lost your way. You want jobs and better lives, yet you disrespect the very government you expect help from. This recklessness will destroy your lives, that of your children and that of your nation. You need to stop this recklessness as soon as now! You are only ruining your lives and your children’s futures.”
Shikashika also called on President William Ruto and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire to properly recognize and compensate the veterans, many of whom live in poverty despite their sacrifices. “We are landless, homeless, and suffering in silence,” he lamented, pointing out that appearances at state functions have brought little more than empty handshakes.
On the Gen Z prayer day, Shikashika urged the youth to hold their prayers peacefully. “Don’t turn the prayers into riots. Stop the stealing, stop the destruction. We didn’t fight for independence so you could burn down your own country.” he warned.
Echoing Shikashika’s sentiments, was Grace Yakasa, another veteran and a mother, who also noted that things in the country are not right.
“We’re tired of losing our children. If you must protest, do it peacefully. No parent wants to hear that their child has been shot in the streets.”
She urged the government to arrest and fairly charge offending youth rather than using deadly force. “They are misguided, not enemies of the state,” she said, adding that more needs to be done to engage elders in guiding youth through mentorship programs and community dialogue forums.
The Maumau veterans also criticized the meager KSh 2,000 monthly stipend they receive, calling it grossly inadequate and insulting to their legacy. They appealed to both county and national governments to urgently upscale their support, not just with money, but with dignity.
In a unified message, the veterans stressed the importance of bridging the generational gap through dialogue rather than destruction, saying Gen Z has the potential to lead, if only they slow down, listen, and learn.
Kenya’s living legends are now sounding the alarm-Gen Z must rethink the protest path, or risk repeating history with far more tragic consequences.