UoN student leader: End tokenism to redefine Kenya’s leadership

By , March 27, 2026

University of Nairobi student leader Wazi Maina has called for an end to the filthy culture of tokenism and handouts, terming it as the primary obstacle to a genuine political shift in Kenya.

According to Maina, who spoke during a morning talk show on a local station on Friday, March 27, 2026, this culture has “ailed us since time immemorial,” often causing voters to suspend their thinking the moment money is distributed.

She argues that this cycle leads young people to re-elect the same individuals who have subjected them to past traumas.

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i, during an engagement with youths who paid him a courtesy call, on January 21, 2026. PHOTO/@RealMatiangi/X
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, during an engagement with youths who paid him a courtesy call, on January 21, 2026. PHOTO/@RealMatiangi/X

“There will be a difference if we scrap off that filthy culture of tokenism and handouts because that is what has been ailing us since time immemorial.

“I don’t know, there’s just a way we suspend our thinking or something the moment you’re handed out the funds, and we just end up choosing the same singing people who are who subjected us to these traumas,” Maina said.

Redefining political leadership

According to Maina, changes in the political landscape will only be possible if the Kenyan youths prioritise merit and competence over financial incentives.

Maina added that choosing leaders based on these qualities is the only way to successfully redefine the political leadership in the 2027 general elections.

“If we vote based on merit and competence, we will redefine political leadership,” Maina said.

Niko Kadi challenge

This comes following the ongoing mass voter registration led by Gen Z, which is being enhanced by social media mobilisation across the country.

According to Allans Ademba, the founder of the youth-led voter registration initiative “Niko Kadi”, the social media strategy helped the campaign go viral, mobilising thousands of young Kenyans to register as voters ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua joining Nyeri youths in their Niko Kadi campaigns, PHOTO//https://www.facebook.com/DPGachagua
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua joining Nyeri youths in their Niko Kadi campaigns. PHOTO//https://www.facebook.com

Speaking on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, during an interview with a local radio station, Ademba explained that the idea began as a simple social media experiment.

“I decided to put a tweet out there and said that I am looking for 100,000 unregistered voters in Kasarani,” he said.

“In my mind, I knew very well that it was not going to work because getting 100,000 people when you are just a beginner and nobody knows you was going to be difficult. I put it that way to gain a little bit of traction.”

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