Malema party hits out at government over crackdown on Gen Z demos
According to EFF, it is absurd that what began as a rejection of economic injustice and a demand to end corruption by Kenyans has led the President William Ruto’s government to unleash violence and censorshi
Firebrand South African politician Julius Malema’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party has condemned the government over its brutal repression of peaceful protesters, censorship of the media and escalating authoritarianism in the country.
In a statement, the Opposition party expressed solidarity for the youthful Kenyans who were on the streets yesterday to mark the first anniversary of 63 youths killed during last year’s Gen Z protests.
According to EFF, it is absurd that what began as a rejection of economic injustice and a demand to end corruption by Kenyans has led the President William Ruto’s government to unleash violence and censorship.
“What began as a rejection of economic injustice has now grown into a widespread demand for an end to state corruption, police brutality, and impunity at the highest levels of government. It is a movement led by the youth, and in response, President Ruto has unleashed state-sponsored violence and censorship,” the statement said.
The Malema-led party accused Ruto’s administration of using the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) to ban live coverage of the protests, calling it a “deliberate misreading of the Constitution” and an attempt to “control the narrative, hide its crimes, and rule by fear.”
“President Ruto has shown that he is unwilling to lead with dignity. This is a generation that refuses to bow, refuses to be silenced, and refuses to accept a future stolen by corrupt elites,” EFF stated.
Further, the party has called on the Kenyan government to end violence and account for the killings and injuries, restore media freedom, and implement urgent reforms, as they added that the continent and the World at large is watching.
Malema has been a fierce critic of President Ruto.
Over the past year, his party has aimed at Kenya’s leadership as they criticised the for neoliberal subservience to Western institutions, and his handling of domestic dissent.
