Ciru Muriuki Defends Gen Z Amid Summertides Backlash: ‘Every Generation Has Had Madness’
Ciru Muriuki has weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding the Summertides festival, urging Generation Z not to accept claims that they are more immoral than previous generations.
Her remarks come after Nairobi County Chief Officer for Environment Geoffrey Mosiria called for the festival to be banned, alleging that it promotes immoral behaviour among young people.
The criticism followed the circulation of videos from this year’s Summertides event, which sparked widespread discussion on social media about youth culture, public conduct and digital privacy.
‘Don’t let my generation lie to you’
Responding to the backlash, Muriuki argued that youthful rebellion is not unique to Gen Z, saying every generation has had its own controversial moments.
“Gen Z, don’t let my generation lie to you that you are the most immoral. Don’t.”
She maintained that young people have always pushed boundaries, regardless of the era in which they grew up.
References Masaku Sevens
Speaking in a video shared online, Muriuki reflected on her experiences as a Millennial, recalling the once-popular Masaku Sevens rugby tournament, which attracted thousands of young people from across the country.
She referenced a long-standing anecdote claiming there was a spike in demand for emergency contraceptives after the annual event, using it to illustrate that concerns about youthful excess are not new.
“As a Millennial, I remember going for Masaku 7s, and then the week after Masaku 7s, all the chemists in Nairobi didn’t have Postinor/P2.”
While the anecdote has circulated widely for years, it has not been backed by verified pharmacy sales data.
‘Every generation has had madness’
Muriuki also pointed to older generations, arguing that they, too, experienced periods of youthful recklessness.
“The generation before us, Gen X, they went crazy in the ’90s. Let’s not even talk about the Boomers. Every generation has had madness.”
Her comments have added another perspective to the ongoing conversation surrounding the Summertides festival, with supporters arguing against singling out Gen Z, while others continue to call for greater accountability and responsible behaviour at large public events.
