- Former police spokesperson Charles Owino claimed that just fifteen social media accounts have been shaping public discourse and youth sentiment in Kenya
- He said the listed influencers, none of whom are Gen Z, hold significant power over millions of online users and have played a role in recent digitally led protests
- This came after Owino issued a chilling warning to protesters threatening to sue government at ICC, saying they may not be there to witness the moment
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TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya
Who really controls Kenya’s digital protests? Charles Owino seems to think he knows.
Former police spokesperson Charles Owino stirred online debate after he named fifteen high-profile social media accounts, which he alleged were driving the Gen Z-led digital uprising in Kenya.
Owino made the claims during an interview on Sunday, July 6, as he weighed in on the recent surge in youth-led protests sparked through platforms like X (formerly Twitter).
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According to Owino, while the movement appears to be Gen Z-driven, the real puppet masters are older, influential individuals with massive online reach.
Who are the X influencers Owino blamed?
He argued that these accounts, though not owned by Gen Z, are responsible for shaping opinions, fuelling discontent, and coordinating protests.
Owino listed a group of activists, politicians, influencers, and commentators whom he said command serious online influence.
Among them were activist Hanifa Farsafi, Activist Boniface Mwangi, blogger Cyprian Nyakundi, and political analyst Francis Gaitho.
Others included Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, former chief justice Willy Mutunga, and digital personalities such as @Oduk, @Wangechi, @Asamoh, @Benjandolo, @PropesaTV, and @Menharsakar.
He also mentioned Kimuzi Kimaiyo, health advocate Eric Amunga alias Amerix, and @Sokoanalyst.
What did Owino say about the X influencers?
The former police spokesperson pointed out that these individuals frequently disseminate content that resonates widely with Kenyan youth.
“These are the fifteen handles that influence the country’s digital space,” Owino said. “And none of them is Gen Z. These people spread information and mobilise young people to protest.”
Owino warned that Kenya’s large population of unemployed youth is vulnerable to influence and frustration.
He argued that this makes it easy for online voices to sway public opinion against the government by linking economic hardship to political leadership.
“And remember we have a huge population of the youth who are unemployed. And it is easy to sweet talk them and tell them they are not employed because of the current president or government,” he added.
Charles Owino issues chilling warning to activists
In a related development, Owino strongly criticised activists who threatened to drag government officials and police to the International Criminal Court (ICC) over recent protests.
He accused them of using the ICC as a weapon to intimidate law enforcement officers and Interior Ministry officials, warning that such efforts could lead to serious consequences.
Owino’s comments followed a wave of nationwide demonstrations, some of which turned violent, with reports of vandalism and the torching of police stations.
He argued that such actions could not be justified under the banner of activism or human rights, and insisted that law and order must be upheld regardless of political frustrations.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
