Many Kenyans were asking, “When will Fred Matiang’i return to Kenya and declare his political stand?”

He came and went straight to where his life began, where he would be told the truth. He landed in Kisii and Nyamira counties to mammoth crowds, changing the political chessboard for 2027.

For many, Kenya’s leadership after the 2027 presidential elections is Matiang’i’s to lose. He has goodwill and support across the country, but now he needs to sit with his team and construct a winning formula.

First, we should thank Gen Z, whose gallant acts in June 2024 changed Kenya’s political landscape, creating a paradigm shift in the minds of young Kenyans who we expect to be the new vanguard for Kenya’s political future.

We must not forget those young souls who lost their lives, were maimed, tortured, or disappeared without a trace.

This debt of remembering them should be at the forefront of our minds during every Madaraka Day celebration.

We’ve been entrusted with their legacy – their bravery, spilt blood, and purpose.

As duty-bound Kenyans, we can only repay our debt to Gen Z by waking up on voting day in 2027 and making the right choice to erase the sad memories of tyranny, wanton theft, and constitutional abrogation since September 13, 2022.

Yuval Noah Harari wrote Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind. The book elucidates human evolution, stating that the Common Myth (a belief system) is a potent tool that can galvanise and bind communities together.

Religions, governments, and even money as exchange exist because of a strong belief in common myths.

Matiang’i might be the messiah who will coalesce Kenyans around a common myth of political transformation, offering service based on meritocracy rather than political patronage.

However, to do this, he must be mentally and physically ready to face a Machiavellian tactician fighting not only to retain power but to insulate himself against future repercussions.

Young voters are more influenced by what they watch, listen to, and like than by politicians. Therefore, Matiang’i must have people championing his agenda.

Matiang’i must identify youth serious about change, those not bought by deep pockets.

We’ve already seen some youthful politicians who played key roles during and after the June 25, 2024, anti-finance bill protests become compromised.

He needs a network of influencers like podcasters and TikTokers who will counter Kenya Kwanza’s base with real facts against government sympathisers.

Government operatives will be well-financed through euphemistic “economic empowerment meetings”.  

However, Matiang’i’s army of volunteers is what he should bank on.

This will only happen if his message resonates with people yearning for a new Kenya, that is, a government that combats corruption curbs elite political power, and works for its people’s altruism.

A country where you don’t go bankrupt when sick and where you’ll be left alone if you harm no one.

He should help individuals believe in a better future. If he’s not a merchant of hope, nothing will be achieved.

One advantage will be on his side: Kenyan voters who are angry, frustrated, and crestfallen with a regime that has failed and drowned many dreams.

The writer works in Hong Kong.