Young Kenyan Gen Z activists under the “Fagia Wote” movement disrupted a meeting involving Fred Matiang’i at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Baltimore demanding accountability for alleged extrajudicial killings, disobedience of court orders, and corruption.
The group had initially tried to ask questions but were denied a chance to speak, prompting them to seize the podium and directly address the crowd. Their bold actions were captured on social media, as shared by Francis Gaitho, raising mixed reactions from viewers.
Some claimed Matiang’i responded to the accusations, while others praised the activists for confronting a powerful political figure in a foreign setting.
Fred Matiang’i, a former Cabinet Secretary in Kenya’s Interior Ministry, is believed to be preparing for a 2027 presidential bid.
Reports from 2024 indicated that he hired a Canadian lobbying firm to help push his image internationally, signaling serious political ambitions.
While Matiang’i is seen by some as a strong leader due to his past roles under President Uhuru Kenyatta, many young people link him to years of abuse of power and lack of justice for victims of police brutality.
His ties to the old political class have made him a clear target for the “Fagia Wote” movement.“Fagia Wote,” meaning “sweep them all,” has grown into a youth-led push for total political change in Kenya.
The movement started as a call to remove all incumbent leaders during previous elections but has gained stronger momentum in 2025, especially among Gen Z.
Young people are using platforms like X to call for justice, youth leadership, and transparency in government.
Hashtags such as #FagiaWote and #RutoMustGo are trending regularly, signaling a growing demand for a new political direction.The Baltimore disruption is not just about one politician but reflects the growing anger and frustration many young Kenyans feel toward a system they see as broken.
The fact that this happened outside Kenya shows that the fight for change has become global. Whether in Nairobi or Baltimore, young Kenyans are taking bold steps to challenge figures they believe are responsible for the country’s suffering.
The mixed reaction to the event shows the deep divide in how different generations view leadership and accountability. Some defend Matiang’i, while others see his actions while in office as part of the larger problem facing Kenya.What happened at the Hyatt Regency is more than a protest.
It is a loud message from Kenya’s youth that they are no longer willing to stay silent. They want justice, they want answers, and they want real change.
The influence of movements like “Fagia Wote” will likely continue to grow, pushing back against the old political ways and demanding a government that works for all.
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