An Open Letter to Gen Z and Millennials of Kenya: Harnessing the Power of Purpose

Dear fellow Gen Z and Millennials of Kenya,

As we stand at a pivotal moment in our nation's history, it is essential to reflect on our purpose and strategy in the ongoing maandamano (protests). The political landscape is shifting, and our actions today will shape the Kenya of tomorrow. Inspired by the timeless wisdom of Sun Tzu's Art of War, let us consider how we can channel our collective energy effectively to achieve our goals without unnecessary prolongation.

The Cost of Prolonged Struggle

Sun Tzu reminds us that the cost of war extends beyond the battlefield. The exhaustion of resources, the dampening of spirit, and the potential for opportunists to exploit our struggles are real dangers. "In the operations of war," Sun Tzu writes, "the expenditure at home and at the front... will reach the total of a thousand ounces of silver per day." The modern equivalent of this is not just financial strain but also the physical and emotional toll on our communities.

The longer we extend our protests without clear direction and achievable targets, the more we risk diminishing the momentum that has been painstakingly built. Just as a prolonged siege exhausts the resources of a city, an indefinite campaign of protests can drain the energy and enthusiasm of the people. It is crucial to set realistic goals and work towards achieving them efficiently, rather than allowing the movement to fizzle out over time.

Strategic Alliances and Independence

Our decision to distance ourselves from Raila Odinga, despite his potential to galvanize support, reflects a desire to maintain the independence of our movement. Yet, we must be cautious not to isolate ourselves completely. Sun Tzu teaches us the value of using the enemy's resources to augment our strength, a strategy that can be adapted to modern political movements by forming strategic alliances that align with our goals.

While we chose to keep political figures at arm's length, understanding when and how to leverage existing political structures can be advantageous. The inclusion of ODM members in Ruto's cabinet signals a potential shift in alliances and agendas. We must remain vigilant and adaptable, ensuring that our actions are not co-opted by those seeking to use our movement for their ends.

The Power of Purpose and Swift Action

In war, "let your great object be victory, not lengthy campaigns." This principle applies equally to our civic actions. The primary aim should be to secure tangible improvements in governance and policy, not to engage in protests for their own sake. We must be clear about what we want to achieve and set specific, time-bound targets. Prolonging the protests without a clear endpoint risks alienating supporters and weakening the movement's impact.

Moreover, our focus should be on issues that unite us rather than divide us along tribal or party lines. Our generation, characterized by being leaderless, tribeless, and party-less, has the unique advantage of approaching issues from a perspective of common humanity and shared destiny. This is our strength; let us not squander it by falling into the traps of partisanship and division.

A Call to Action

As we move forward, let us remember that the power of our movement lies in our unity and purpose. We must act decisively, with a clear vision and strategy, to bring about the changes we seek. The window of opportunity is now, while the political class is in a state of flux. Let us not delay; let us act with wisdom, courage, and resolve.

Together, we can build a better Kenya—one that reflects the aspirations of our generation and respects the dignity of all its people.

Yours in solidarity,

DON SANTO

Artist, Producer, and CEO of Global Media Ltd and President of Klassik Nation