A man holds a placard during anti-Finance Bill demos in June 2024.
Politicians are competing to win over the nation’s young and politically savvy generation who are disillusioned with the status quo and eager to reshape Kenya’s political landscape.
With the 2027 elections on the horizon, the politicians are racing to capture the hearts of Kenya’s Gen Z and youth voters, widely recognised as a powerful electoral bloc.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua are among those who are wooing the Gen Z emboldened by a series of recent protests, pushing for a greater voice in governance.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua (left) confers with Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka during the Consecration of Bishop Elect Benson Gathugu Kamau at Jesus Compassion Ministry Church in Ruiru Constituency, Kiambu County on June 21, 2024.
Recent trends show that Gen Zs have made over 20 applications to reserve political party names at the Registrar of Political Parties signaling their intent to have a more direct role in the 2027 polls.
One of these parties, the Injection of National Justice, Economic, and Civic Transformation (Inject) party, was founded by lawyer-turned-activist Morara Kebaso following the June 2023 protests.
The Inject party has openly declared its ambition to reshape the country’s political landscape in the lead-up to the elections.
At the same time, President William Ruto has hinted at forming a super alliance with leaders from Nyanza, Coast, and Western regions, a potential power move ahead of the elections.
However, it is Mr Musyoka and Mr Gachagua who have taken the lead in targeting the youth who are often influenced by popular movements.
On Sunday, impeached DP Gachagua addressed congregants at the Priesthood Fellowship Church in Kahawa West calling on Gen Zs to register as voters.
He urged parents to encourage their children to get identification cards and participate in voting, especially to bolster Mt Kenya’s future political influence.
"I want to call upon the youth, especially Gen Zs, to come out and register as voters in large numbers. That will be your shield in the 2027 General Election," Mr Gachagua said.
Mr Gachagua also used the opportunity to criticise regional leaders who supported his impeachment expressing that loyalty and governance are crucial as the election nears.
His remarks suggest widening divisions within the ruling coalition highlighting potential realignments on the road to 2027.
The Kalonzo Musyoka- led Wiper party, which is set to conduct a countrywide recruitment drive to enlist over five million members is already targeting the youth.
To lure GenZs,the party has also vowed to support youthful candidates for the 2027 polls.
“As a party, we are open to new members from Gen Z who are interested in running for office. We want to encourage the Gen Zs to register in large numbers as voters and join political parties. Wiper is prepared to support all Gen Z candidates who seek to run for office and have faced obstacles," said Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo.
Mr Musyoka has severally maintained that he will stand with Gen Zs even if he is left alone.
"If anyone thinks the GenZs story, after the June protests, was a joke, they are deceiving themselves. This country will never be the same again in terms of governance," stated Kalonzo in a past interview.
Kanu chairman Gideon Moi has also warned against underrating Gen Z’s ability to transform Kenya.
Power to drive change
"I urge the youth to be at the forefront of advocating and pushing for change in the country. The younger generation has the power to drive change and should not be overlooked," said Mr Moi who spoke at the African Inland Church in Milimani , Nakuru.
The former Baringo Senator, who chaired the Commonwealth Expert Team (CET) that observed the General Election in Botswana on October 30, said the Gen Zs and millennials played a key role in that election and surprised many by voting in large numbers.
"The Gen Zs in Botswana did wonders; they removed the President and his people. They voted across tribal lines as one.Let’s bring them close to us in the church. Let’s speak to them, and most importantly, let’s show them love, walk together, and pray for them,” he added.
Political analysts indicate they are watching this Gen Z surge closely.
Analyst Steve Kabita noted the importance of youth registering and voting if they want to see their desired changes materialize.
"Since the 2019 polls, Kenya’s population has grown to nearly 55 million, with Gen Z and Millennials making up around 30 million, or about 55 percent of the population. They must register en masse as voters and actually vote in the 2027 polls to make an impact," said Mr Kabita, who is also a lawyer.
Mr Kabita emphasised that if the numbers seen at the June protests were to translate into votes, youth could shift the balance of power.
“If the number of youth who turned out for the Gen Z protests vote in the 2027 elections, they would be able to change the narrative and could even elect a President of their choice,” he said.
On his part, another analyst Jesse Karanja says: “The Gen Zs will reshape the country’s political landscape in the 2027 polls. Because of their numbers and momentum, politicians across the political divide will attempt to win them over as we approach the elections. However, for Gen Zs to enact meaningful change, they need to not only register as voters but also turn up to cast their votes on election day.”
The Gen Z demographic born between 1997 and 2012 has proven to be politically aware, well-educated, and tech-savvy, creating a formidable movement pushing for economic reforms, lower living costs, and greater accountability in governance.
June’s controversial Finance Bill which triggered widespread protests remains a defining moment for the Gen Z movement.
The protests demanded change and even called for President Ruto’s resignation.
Though the demonstrations eventually subsided, the Gen Z movement showed resilience and continues to be a force that could reshape Kenya’s political future.
