How new breed of leaders is shaking the political roots
By Reuben Mwambingu, July 31, 2025Kenya’s political leadership is undergoing a gradual shift that is putting the future of the old guard on edge.
The change is not only being felt across the country, but is also visible as it is seemingly inevitable and almost tangible.
The flames ignited by the Gen Z-led #RejectFinanceBill protests in June last year are far from ebbing out, contrary to what some sceptics had predicted. Instead, the fire continues to burn brightly, illuminating a new path for the emergence of young leaders who are boldly challenging the traditional political order.
These leaders are defined by their digital activism, a focus on broader issues such as social justice and accountability, and their ability to mobilise and organise both online and offline—transcending the long-standing ethnic and party divisions that have shaped Kenya’s politics for decades.
More than ever, the tired cliché of youth being “leaders of tomorrow” sounds like an insult. Today’s young generation wants leadership now.
Among those who emerged during the protests is Kasmuel McOure, often spotted in a suit, ducking teargas and leaping over barricades.
Vocal and self-assured, McOure gained national attention with his pointed criticism of bad governance and the Finance Bill, positions that earned him a massive online following.
Now leading the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Youth League, McOure is championing the Intergenerational National Dialogue proposed by ODM leader Raila Odinga, calling it a viable path toward unity and inclusion.
“It’s time to set aside political divisions and ensure competent youth voices are at the decision-making table. Let’s organise, align, and bring our best voices forward,” he said recently.
McOure believes the youth are more than hashtags, memes, or voter registration mascots—they are active stakeholders in Kenya’s future.
“We are citizens. Stakeholders. Nation-builders. We are the ones who grant Kenya her sovereignty. We must be at the decision-making table. Those in the so-called opposition castigating Raila today are simply trying to read from a playbook they neither authored nor fully understand. Let’s be honest: too much blood has been shed for anyone to keep sending people’s children to the streets for revolutions they never show up for. We must resist the tribal trap this country has endured for decades,” he said.
Another youthful voice that rose from the movement is Morara Kebaso, a sharp critic of the Kenya Kwanza regime who quickly became an online sensation by exposing stalled government projects.
He toured various counties, conducting impromptu spot checks on incomplete or abandoned projects initiated with much fanfare by the Ruto administration.
Kebaso’s findings, shared widely on social media, earned him both applause and scrutiny.
However, his popularity took a hit after accusations surfaced that he had drifted from the Gen Z cause and aligned himself with political interests.
Some followers accused him of running fundraising drives that benefited his personal business rather than activism.
In a bid to restore trust, Kebaso recently launched a refund drive, making clear his readiness to reimburse all the money donated to him, in an attempt to clear his name and rebuild his public image.
From Kilifi, 28-year-old Fikirini Katoi Kahindi Jacobs, a Gen Z icon and ODM youth leader, is now the Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs and Sports.
Previously a student leader at Maasai Mara and Pwani universities, Jacobs graduated in 2023 with a degree in Philosophy and has since been deeply involved in youth-focused politics.
Jacobs, who unsuccessfully vied for the Kilifi Senate seat in 2022, believes the Gen Z protest spark will influence the 2027 elections in a big way, encouraging more youth to declare their ambitions.
In Mombasa, journalist Charles Mghenyi has declared his bid for the Senate seat, sending ripples through both media and political circles.
His move marks a significant shift from telling stories to becoming part of the story.
Mghenyi served as Coast Bureau Chief for a local daily, rising through the ranks from intern to editor. Now, he wants to give voice to the voiceless through legislation and public service.
“I aspire to see change in Mombasa. It’s not enough to write about it anymore. I want to be part of the solution,” said Mghenyi, who grew up in Maweni, an informal settlement in Nyali.
Well-known for grassroots involvement and youth mentorship, Mghenyi says he wants to be an accessible leader, not one trapped behind closed doors. He sees his journalism career as the perfect training ground for public service.
Enlightened electorate
“I understand how government systems work. I’ve sat in budget meetings, covered Senate hearings, interviewed governors, and exposed corruption. That knowledge is my weapon,” he said.
In Nyali, journalist Elkana Jacob has also declared interest in contesting the parliamentary seat currently held by Mohammed Ali, who has announced plans to run for Mombasa governor.
Jacob believes the 2027 elections will be decided by ideas, not just political history.
“We are dealing with an enlightened voting base that is yearning for change. That’s why I’m getting into the ring, to be part of that change,” he said.
Jacob has begun engaging youth groups across Nyali, aiming to equip them with skills for decent jobs. He envisions Nyali as a tourism and business hub driven by innovative leadership.
In Kinango, 31-year-old radio presenter Sweleh Chirao Hamisi, popularly known as Mjukuu wa Chirao, has also declared his candidacy for Member of County Assembly.
Chirao says he has watched for too long as ageing leaders ignored youth issues. The recent youth protests, he says, were a wake-up call.
“I feel this is the perfect opportunity to attack the situation. Youth in Kinango lack employment and are reduced to handouts, every five years, during rallies,” said the Msenangu FM presenter.
He vows to prioritise talent development, economic empowerment, and infrastructure.
According to Rosebella Apollo, programme officer at Research Uptake, the Gen Z movement has challenged traditional power structures and reshaped how political dissent is organised.
“They’ve upended the long-held belief that power lies solely with political elites,” she wrote on the African Cities Research Consortium website.
“By using social media to organise, validate grievances, and coordinate peaceful protests, Gen Z has redefined activism and rejected the violent stereotypes long associated with public demonstrations.”
Apollo notes that while previous generations of youth were often manipulated for political gain, Gen Z is rewriting that script.
“Young people are no longer apathetic. They’re politically aware, self-organised, and ready to defend their future.”
As the clock ticks toward the 2027 general election, it is without a doubt that Kenya’s youth are no longer waiting in the wings.
They are stepping up, speaking out, and demanding a seat at the table.