2024 has been an eventful year for Kenyans—protests fueled by bad economy just but one of the reasons. But who are the most influential Kenyans of 2024?
As each second slips, 2024 looks closer to end; Kenya continues to evolve as a nation of courageous minds and resilient spirits. There are a few individuals who stand out for their exceptional contributions across various sectors. Here’s a look at some of the most influential Kenyans of 2024, whose impact have changed the way we see this country.
Morara Kebaso
This guy is the man of the moment! A lawyer and Kenyatta University alumni, Morara Kebaso has been moving around the country exposing government failed projects. After the Kenyan government countered the recent Gen Z protest, this new tactic by Morara Kebaso seem to be working.Many Kenyans have shown him love and have started supporting him financially to continue doing what he is doing. Morara Kebaso has shown Kenyans that the people can themselves oversight the executive, without the parliament. If he is not on the road exposing failed projects, he is live on TV doing civic education. This is why Morara Kebaso is one of the most influential Kenyans of 2024.
Boniface Mwangi
I do not know how he does it but Boniface Mwangi never misses on the list of most influential Kenyans or does he? Well, his heroics in the Gen Z protest has earned him a place among the most influential Kenyans of 2024.Boniface Mwangi remains a vocal activist and advocate for social justice ever since 2007 when he rose to the spotlight after the post-election violence. Through his photography and activism, Mwangi continues to shed light on critical issues such as corruption, human rights abuses, and governance. His fearless approach and dedication to holding the powerful accountable in 2024 have made him a significant figure in Kenya’s civil society.
William Ruto
Well, he had to be part of this right? He is the president and many happenings in Kenya this year have been largely political right from economy to extra judicial killings. President William Ruto has been at the center of all these—one hand being defended by his followers and on the other being criticized by his opposers.Through his leadership, to counter the unprecedented Gen Z protests and restore calm, it would be wrong to say he has not been one of the most influential figures of 2024.
Hanifa
She definitely had the Kenyan government in shivers each time she tweeted or even went out to the streets. During the 2024 Gen Z protest in Kenya Hanifa was at the forefront despite many arrests and intimidations. She even went ahead to fundraise for the victims of the protests raising over 30 million Kenya shillings—money which she later used to help those who lost their loved one and pay hospital bills for those injured.
Even though the Gen Z movement was considered leaderless, Hanifa was somehow seen as a leader and this why she is one of the most influential Kenyans of 2024 not just in the way she fought for young people but also in the way she spent 30 million Kenya shillings, most government officials would have embezzled these funds and nothing fruitful would come out of it.
Larry Madowo
Larry Madowo has always established himself as one of Kenya’s most influential voices on the global stage. In 2024 however Madowo upped his game—he could be in Atlanta but the next morning you would see him in Kenya broadcasting to whole world live the protests in Kenya. This dedication made most Kenyans fall in love with his reporting as well as patriotism. His insightful reporting on African issues and global affairs has garnered widespread attention, bringing a unique African perspective to international audiences.
One of his iconic moments of 2024 was when he reported that Ethiopian airline had kicked out a passenger on his flight because a minister had taken her seat. The next day the airline responded by saying Larry was lying only for Larry to prove them wrong by bringing concrete evidence that indeed a passenger was kicked out.
The influence of these remarkable Kenyans extends across various sectors, from politics and economics to sports, media, and environmental conservation. Their contributions not only shape the present but also pave the way for a better future for Kenya and its people. As we look forward to the rest of 2024, these individuals will undoubtedly continue to inspire and lead the nation towards greater heights.
