Self-proclaimed 'Goon Z' leader Swaleh Sonko has issued an almost tearful public apology to Gen Z and retreated into self-imposed exile at his rural home in Homa Bay.
The dramatic turn of events comes days after he, in a TikTok live, confessed to orchestrating the deployment of hired goons to infiltrate and disrupt peaceful anti-government protests.
In a now-viral video, Swaleh was seen walking solemnly through his homestead, speaking directly to the youth in a reflective tone, pleading for understanding, acknowledging his missteps.
“Najua mimi si youth lakini mimi ni kijana… sitaki chuki na vijana,” he said, stating that while he may not technically belong to Gen Z, he considers himself part of their struggles.
Moments later, Swaleh knelt and removed his cap in a show of humility.
“Kama kuna mtu nili mkosea, naomba msamaha. Mimi ni content creator tu kama nyinyi,” he said, asking Gen Z to forgive him.
He also pledged to stand with the youth during the upcoming June 25th demonstrations: “Inshallah, tutashirikiana na nyinyi.”
The apology follows an explosive TikTok Live where he confessed to mobilising 200 men for the June 12th protests, not for KSh 500 as speculated, but KSh 2,000 each.
@swalehsonko ♬ original sound - SWALEH SONKO 3
“Vijana walikuwa njaa… mtu wangu, utakosa?” he said, admitting he leveraged his influence to hire them.
What shocked many was his blunt comment that those who died would be buried by their families, who would receive compensation. “Lazima wengine wakufee ndio wengine waendelee,” he added.
The backlash has been swift. Many Kenyans, especially Gen Z, remain skeptical of his intentions.
Demonstrations in Nairobi were disrupted as rungu-wielding goons infiltrated protests after the death of Albert Ojwang at the Central Police sttion in Nairobi.
Ojwang' had been arrested in Homabay after a complaint by Deputy Inspector General of Kenya Police Service Eliud Lagat, claiming his name had been tarnished.
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