PUBLIC NOTICE: BEWARE OF FALSE LEADERS CLAIMING TO REPRESENT THE GEN Z MOVEMENT
To: Kenyans of All Walks of Life, Mainstream Media, Civil Society, Diplomatic Corps, Foreign Agencies and Donors, Religious Organizations, Politicians, and Security Agencies
The Gen Z movement in Kenya is a grassroots, leaderless collective driven by the collective will of young Kenyans demanding accountability, justice, and good governance.
It is not led by any individual, nor can it be claimed by opportunistic figures seeking personal gain or relevance.
We issue this urgent notice to caution the public against associating with two individuals – Rigathi Gachagua and Boniface Mwangi – who have falsely claimed leadership of this movement.
Newspaper article purporting to appropriate Rigathi Gachagua as the father of the Gen Z movement
- Rigathi Gachagua:
Mr. Gachagua, the former Deputy President, was recently quoted in the media claiming to be the “father of the Gen Z movement.” This claim is baseless and deceptive. The Gen Z movement predates his impeachment and emerged organically despite his role in a government that actively undermined it through state machinery. His attempt to co-opt the movement is a clear act of opportunism, and Kenyans are urged to reject his claims outright. - Boniface Mwangi:
Mr. Mwangi has repeatedly misrepresented himself as a leader of the Gen Z movement, including during a recent appearance on Spice FM. His actions, however, betray this claim. Last year, Mwangi was involved in an incident in the Nairobi CBD where he discouraged protestors from continuing their peaceful demonstrations, contributing to a chain of events that led to abductions, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings. On June 25, 2025, during the Fixing The Nation program on NTV, Mwangi distanced himself from the Occupy State House agenda, opting instead to lead a poorly attended event to lay wreaths and submit petitions to Parliament. Together with individuals like Hanifa Adan, Mwangi has invoked the Gen Z movement’s name to raise funds and deceive well-meaning Kenyans, exploiting media platforms to falsely validate their leadership.
Activist Boniface Mwangi who didn’t participate in Gen Z events last week, made the sensational claim that he’s the Gen Z leader .
WARNING TO ALL KENYANS:
The Gen Z movement has no appointed leaders. It is a decentralized, people-driven initiative that belongs to the youth of Kenya, not to self-proclaimed figures seeking personal gain or influence.
Rigathi Gachagua, Boniface Mwangi, and their associates do not speak or act on behalf of the Gen Z movement. Any transactions, partnerships, or associations with these individuals under the guise of representing the movement are at your own risk.
We urge the media, civil society, diplomatic community, donors, religious organizations, politicians, and security agencies to verify claims of leadership and refrain from amplifying or endorsing these individuals as representatives of the Gen Z movement.
Kenyans are encouraged to remain vigilant and protect the integrity of this movement from exploitation.
The Gen Z movement remains united, leaderless, and resolute in its pursuit of a just and accountable Kenya.
Signed,
Concerned Kenyan Youth
On Behalf of the Gen Z Movement
June 30, 2025
