50 Years Later: JM Kariuki’s Warnings Still Haunt Kenya!
Kenya’s wealth gap has worsened—was JM Kariuki right all along? 50 years after his assassination, his words ring true as Gen Z rises against corruption, joblessness, and injustice. Read more!
It’s been 50 years since the brutal assassination of Josiah Mwangi (JM) Kariuki, the firebrand socialist politician who dared to speak uncomfortable truths. His body was found dumped in Ngong Forest, a grim reminder of the price of boldness in Kenya’s political scene.
At his funeral, most government officials and MPs from Central Kenya were nowhere to be seen. The silence from the political elite spoke louder than words.
Today, as Gen Z, we find ourselves asking: Was JM Kariuki a prophet?
A Country of Ten Millionaires and Ten Million Beggars
JM warned us decades ago: “Kenya has become a country of ten millionaires and ten million beggars.” Fast forward to 2025, and the situation is worse!
We have a handful of billionaires controlling the economy while millions of young Kenyans hustle to survive. The youth unemployment rate is off the charts, and the cost of living is unbearable. Yet, politicians fly around in private jets, flex their designer suits, and throw lavish parties.
Is this what JM was killed for?
The Youth: Ignored, Jobless, and Angry
JM believed in the youth. He once said: “If we forget these people (the youth), we will find ourselves surrounded by rogues who are rogues not because they want to become rogues, but because they are hungry.”
Kenyan leaders ignored this warning. And what do we have now?
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A lost generation drowning in depression and drugs.
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Endless job rejections due to the infamous ‘5 years of experience’ requirement.
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Corrupt leaders who loot public funds meant for youth empowerment.
No wonder Gen Z is mad. No wonder we are taking to the streets, calling out fake leaders, and demanding accountability. JM saw it coming.
What Would JM Say Today?
If JM Kariuki were alive today, he would probably be among the few voices standing with the people. He would be calling out corruption, championing the rights of the oppressed, and pushing for economic justice.
But we don’t need JM to rise from the grave for change to happen. We are the change.
It’s time to stop worshipping politicians who only remember us during elections. We must use our voices, our votes, and our digital power to hold leaders accountable.
Gen Z is awake. The revolution is now. JM didn’t die for nothing. The fight continues!
What do you think? Should we resurrect JM’s dream for a just Kenya? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
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