Kenyan rapper and activist Octopizzo has urged the Orange Democratic Movement to embrace its national character and give young people a meaningful role in leadership and decision-making.

In a statement posted on his official X account on Sunday, January 18, 2026, the musician emphasised that ODM is not defined by a single community but is a movement for every Kenyan who shares its principles and values.

“ODM is a national movement that belongs to every Kenyan who shares its principles and values. To remain relevant and strong, the party must intentionally create space for young people at the negotiating table,” Octopizzo stated.

Youth representation imperative

According to Octopizzo, the party needs fresh minds, energy, and representation that reflects contemporary Kenya and its future.

“We need fresh minds, energy, and representation that reflects the Kenya of today and tomorrow,” he said.

Challenging conventional notions of leadership, Octopizzo noted that experience and vision, rather than age alone, should determine who leads.

“Leadership is not determined by age alone; it is shaped by evolution, vision, and progressive thinking. Just as in a family, where a father invites his son to the table to listen, learn, and contribute, our politics must allow both experience and youth to sit together,” he explained.

Intergenerational collaboration

The musician further noted that the legacy the party seeks cannot be carried by older generations alone, nor built by young people alone.

Instead, he stressed the need for respectful collaboration across generations to move both the party and the country forward.

“The legacy we seek cannot be carried by the old alone, nor built by the young alone. It requires respectful collaboration across generations. Only together can we move the party and the country forward,” he added.