In the aftermath of the Saba Saba protests and a wave of looting in various parts of the country, Kenyans took to social media in a powerful display of unity, pushing back against tribal divisions.
Under the trending hashtag #WeAreAllKikuyus, users on X adopted Kikuyu names, as a symbolic stand against ethnic profiling and a call for national solidarity.
The digital movement saw Kenyans from all walks of life, politicians, celebrities, content creators, and everyday citizens, embrace Kikuyu names such as Kimani, Wangari, Wainaina, and Njeri as an act of resistance against tribalism and a declaration of collective identity.
I am Rigathi Gachagua Reriani. I am from Nyeri. #WeAreAllKikuyus pic.twitter.com/Hptpm2o989
— Rigathi Gachagua (@rigathi) July 8, 2025
Former DP Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka were among those who shared photos and posts with the hashtag.
“Those who oppose this rogue regime, we are all Kikuyus now. I am Kimani from Gatundu. What is your Kikuyu name?” tweeted @PropesaTV, sparking a viral trend that swept across the nation.
Others responded in kind, blending humor with solidarity:
“Call me Mwangi,” wrote @TheKevinBett.
Carol Muthoni Radull Njoroge #WeAreAllKikuyus pic.twitter.com/NodVeXYfvs
— Carol Radull (@CarolRadull) July 8, 2025
“My name is Martha Akinyi Chebet Karua,” tweeted @MarthaKaruaSC.
“I am Kikuyu Njuguna Chege from Western,” said I_The_Fractal.
These satirical yet meaningful posts were more than just online banter.
They represented a deeper rejection of the toxic tribal narratives that had long plagued Kenyan politics.
I am Irũngũ Kipchoge Wekesa Houghton and we are one nation
#WeAreAllKikuyus pic.twitter.com/NHMHXarnkE
— Irũngũ Houghton (@irunguhoughton) July 8, 2025
The movement gained momentum after some government supporters and online accounts blamed members of the Kikuyu community for orchestrating the protests and looting on July 7th, triggering a wave of ethnic profiling and tension.
Instead of allowing those accusations to sow division, Kenyans responded with creativity and unity.
The online rebellion echoed previous digital campaigns like #WeAreKenyans, #SisiNiWote, and #TribeKenya, all aimed at promoting peace and cohesion during politically volatile moments.
My Donduri people be like…….
#WeAreAllKikuyus pic.twitter.com/TZDa9lDyz9
— WILLIE OEBA (@WillieOeba) July 9, 2025
In a country where political elites had historically weaponized tribalism for votes or to deflect criticism, this grassroots digital movement served as a reminder of the power held by ordinary citizens.
Through memes, retweets, and humorous declarations of new Kikuyu identities, Kenyans crafted a bold counter-narrative, one that insisted on unity over division.
As the online conversation evolved, it began shaping real-world discourse, especially amid growing public dissatisfaction with governance.
At its core, the trend delivered a powerful, patriotic message: “We are one people. We are all Kikuyus. We are Kenyans.”