The young man whose dramatic appearance inside Parliament during the 2024 Gen Z protests became one of the defining symbols of the anti-government demonstrations has resurfaced after spending nearly two years in hiding.
Chama, who gained nationwide attention after viral videos captured him inside the chambers of the National Assembly of Kenya during the chaotic Finance Bill protests, says his life completely changed after the demonstrations that shook the country.
In the widely circulated clips, Chama was seen standing inside Parliament chambers and addressing the Speaker’s seat while chanting anti-government slogans moments after protesters breached the heavily guarded parliamentary precincts.
The footage quickly spread across social media platforms, turning him into one of the most recognisable faces of the Gen Z movement that mobilised thousands of young Kenyans against the controversial Finance Bill and rising cost of living.
After months away from the public eye, Chama has now declared that he no longer wishes to continue living in hiding.
“I cannot stay in hiding forever. We want to change this country, and we can’t change it by hiding. As Chama, I have decided to start a new life,” he said.
Chama also revealed that he had sought legal assistance from Babu Owino, one of the outspoken leaders who publicly defended arrested Gen Z protesters following the demonstrations.
According to Chama, the Embakasi East MP expressed willingness to represent him in court should authorities decide to pursue legal action against him over his role during the protests.
Babu Owino argued that many of the young protesters who stormed the streets were driven by frustrations over unemployment, economic hardship, and heavy taxation.
“You deserve a chance in life because you are a legend. You managed to enter Parliament, and you had genuine reasons why you came to Parliament,” Babu Owino reportedly told him.
The 2024 Gen Z demonstrations sparked a heated national debate over governance, taxation, and police conduct, with human rights organisations accusing security agencies of using excessive force against protesters.
The government, however, defended the security operation, insisting officers acted to restore order after sections of Parliament buildings were breached and vandalised during the unrest.
The protests eventually forced the government to withdraw the controversial Finance Bill following mounting public pressure and nationwide demonstrations.