Kibwana cautions youth against falling for musical chairs politics
By Kiprono Keileb, August 11, 2025Former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana has warned Kenyan youth to be wary of political promises, saying the country’s top politicians are engaged in what he described as “musical chairs” politics designed to ensure their survival rather than address the needs of ordinary citizens.
Speaking on a local radio morning talk show on Monday, August 11, 2025, Kibwana said that political rivalries in Kenya are rarely genuine and often fade when self-preservation takes priority. He noted that leaders who appear to be sworn enemies can quickly become allies once the political landscape shifts, only to part ways again and later reunite.
“Politicians are very cunning. When alerted to potential threats by the NIS, they often close ranks, and individuals once seen as rivals quickly stop being adversaries. They have an instinct of survival, but with that instinct, you can only survive for a long time,” Kibwana said.
The former governor criticised recent State House meetings with segments of the youth, questioning how token gestures such as boda bodas or handouts could truly address the needs of millions. He pointed out that even if 20,000 young people attended such an event, there are more than 14M Kenyans aged between 18 and 35, making it impossible to deliver on promises made to all of them.
“Let’s assume the young people who went to the State House were 10,000, 15,000, or 20,000. There are 14M young people between the ages of 18 and 35. How are you going to give all of them boda bodas and the other things they were being given?” he asked.
Kibwana warned that some promises are nothing more than public relations stunts. “Sometimes you hear people being told, You’ll get this, but go home and it will be brought, and it’s never brought, it’s just for show,” he said, urging young Kenyans to avoid being swayed by such tactics.
He said the political establishment has failed the youth for years, leaving many disillusioned.
“Political people have done enough trouble against young people, so young people are saying they will wait,” he added.
Kibwana’s remarks come amid a heightened push by political leaders to court the youth vote, with recent high-profile meetings at State House drawing both praise and criticism.