Nairobi, Kenya — Ezekiel Chama, the student activist who vanished for nearly two years after storming Parliament during the June 25 Gen Z protests, has resurfaced with revelations not only about his next move but also about the circumstances of his disappearance.
Chama, missing for 21 months, explained that his decision to go underground was driven by fear of abductions and killings that targeted demonstrators in the aftermath of the protests. While he insists he never left Kenya, he hinted at living in concealed locations, moving discreetly to avoid detection, and relying on trusted networks to survive.
In his testimony, Chama compared his disappearance to biblical figures who fled persecution, describing it as a matter of survival rather than retreat. He suggested that he stayed in safe houses across different regions, supported by sympathizers who believed in the cause of youth activism.
“Sometimes survival means silence,” he said. “I had to disappear, but I never abandoned the struggle. I remained within Kenya, hidden among ordinary citizens, waiting for the right moment to speak again.”
His account paints a picture of a young activist navigating a clandestine existence, constantly wary of surveillance and state agents. Though he did not disclose exact locations, his words imply that rural hideouts and sympathetic communities provided refuge during his absence.
Chama revisited the dramatic day when protesters breached Parliament, recalling the chaos, the confrontation with MPs, and the tragic deaths of fellow demonstrators. He emphasized that the Finance Bill 2024, which introduced taxes such as VAT on bread, symbolized the government’s disregard for ordinary citizens.
He mourned the loss of his friends Eric Shieni and Evans Moticia, who were shot dead by police, and condemned the state’s violent response. His resurfacing, he said, is partly to honor their memory and ensure their sacrifices are not forgotten.
Beyond recounting the protest, Chama outlined the frustrations that continue to fuel youth anger: corruption in education, high school fees, poor healthcare, and widespread unemployment among graduates. He argued that Parliament, funded by taxpayers, must remain accountable to the people.
“The government spends billions while hospitals lack medicine and young people remain jobless,” he said. “This is why we stormed Parliament — to demand accountability.”
Chama revealed that his mission now is to rally young people to organize and push for systemic change. He urged the youth to stand firm in demanding democracy, freedom, and accountability, framing his return as the beginning of a renewed struggle.
“Our generation cannot afford silence,” he declared. “We must rise, organize, and ensure that the sacrifices of those who died are not in vain.”
Chama’s reappearance, coupled with hints about his hidden life, is expected to reignite conversations about youth activism and government accountability. His testimony not only sheds light on the events of June 25 but also signals a renewed push for reform.
As Kenya grapples with economic challenges and political tensions, the resurfacing of one of the protest movement’s most visible figures may mark the beginning of a new chapter in the struggle for justice.