Gen Z, Here’s why you shouldn’t wear Denim to Maandamano
By Winnie MabelFor over a month now, Kenya’s Generation Z has been gaining global attention for being a leaderless movement that continues to go up against perceived bad governance by President William Ruto.
The youth have influenced older generations who joined in to call out poor leadership, corruption, extrajudicial killings, unemployment, high cost of living, and over-taxation of people who continue to live below the poverty line.
Their efforts bore fruit as seen when President Ruto dissolved his Cabinet, reconstituted the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, banned harambees which saw salaried Parliamentarians shell out tens of millions to various highly localized private development projects, ended the budget of the offices of spouses to the President, Deputy President and the Prime Cabinet Secretary as well as drop the controversial Finance Bill 2024 among others.
And Gen Z did all these- dressed in their nines. Skinny jeans, ripped jeans, bell bottoms, crop tops, mini skirts, short shorts, sneakers, various styles of bags, and accessories to match. It was a protest to behold as political, social, and fashion statements were made.
But dear Gen Z, moving forward, as you prepare to take part in the next maandamano, did you know denim fabric is a poor choice to wear when out protesting for your rights? Here’s why…
- Denim- or Jeans as it is commonly referred to is a very stiff fabric that causes discomfort when a person is overly active and can cause restriction movement. Think of it like this, if you need to run from a tear gas canister shot in your direction, and you are wearing ripped, skinny jeans that often require you to heave it upwards, would you be okay?
- While you’re playing cat-and-mouse games with the anti-riot police, you are overheated and sweating. In this instance, any denim you are wearing will add to your sweating because the fabric is non-breathable. It will not adjust with your body temperatures so you will endure skin irritation and possibly develop skin infections from bacteria and fungi that thrive in such conditions.
- The rough texture of denim, especially around the armpits, upper arms, waistline, and thighs can cause chafing. This is when the fabric is in constant friction with your skin and you will have abrasions. Is it worth all the self-inflicted injuries to wear denim to Maandamanos then?
- Also, skinny jeans that lack stretch qualities will probably interfere with your blood flow. The more active you are, your blood flow greatly increases. The blood vessels supplying your muscles with blood widen. If you are in restrictive denim clothing, you are at risk of reducing the oxygen and nutrient delivery to your muscles, increased blood pressure, swelling in certain areas especially the legs and feet, nerve compression, and developing blood clots.
The best fabric to wear ahead of the next maandamano is cotton, polyester blends, Merino wool, linen, and Spandex blends. Are we together?