By Faith Cherop
As thousands of Gen Zs braved tear gas and rubber bullets during recent protests against the contentious Finance Bill 2025, one name remained conspicuously absent from the frontlines: Morara Kebaso.
Once hailed as the "King of Gen Zs," Kebaso was a familiar face during last year's chaotic protests, passionately rallying young people to stand up for justice. He became a symbol of resistance, a voice that echoed the frustrations of a generation disillusioned by broken promises and systemic inequality.
But now, his silence is deafening—and many are asking: Where is Morara Kebaso?
From Hero to Hashtag
In 2024, Morara was instrumental in mobilizing nationwide protests following the passage of the Finance Bill. Through viral online campaigns, he raised significant funds from Kenyans of goodwill to support civic education, logistics, and youth empowerment forums. At the height of his popularity, comments like “Leta Paybill!” flooded his social media, with Kenyans eager to support what they believed was a noble cause.
But cracks began to show.
Reports surfaced that the millions raised were used not just for activism but to fund a lavish lifestyle. Allegations include the purchase of three Toyota Prados, a five-bedroom mansion in Kahawa West, and designer clothes from Turkey. His supporters watched in disbelief as their champion shifted focus from civic education to personal branding, political party registration, and what some are calling a premature 2027 presidential campaign.
"No Money, No Protest"
Now, as Kenya faces another political storm over government spending and economic inequality, Morara has issued a chilling ultimatum: “No Money, No Protest.”
In a recent livestream, the activist-turned-politician claimed he would not participate in any demonstrations unless Kenyans raised KSh 2.8 million to “fuel the car you bought me,” referencing his crowdfunded vehicle. He further demanded funding for masks, snacks, and security, adding that his bid for the presidency in 2027 hinges on citizens footing the bill.
Many feel betrayed.“We thought he was one of us,” says Lydia Njoroge, a student protester at the University of Nairobi. “But now it feels like he used us to climb the ladder, and then pulled it up behind him.”
A Movement Lost?
In early 2025, Morara Kebaso joined forces with fellow activist Kasmuel McOure to launch a political movement meant to challenge veteran politicians. At a youth rally in Nairobi, the two declared independence from both President William Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Their words stirred hope.
But the movement soon lost momentum. No clear ideology, no grassroots organizing—just Instagram lives, press statements, and silence when the streets burned with the voices of young Kenyans demanding change.
Today, even supporters wonder if Morara and McOure ever stood for anything more than optics.
The Verdict
Whether Morara Kebaso is a visionary betrayed by an ungrateful public—or a political opportunist who capitalized on a generation's pain—remains a topic of fierce debate. But as the protests rage on, one truth remains:
The movement is bigger than any one individual. And Gen Z, betrayed or not, is still marching forward.
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