Young politicians to watch in 2026 and beyond
By Joel Masibo, January 4, 2026As Kenya edges closer to the 2027 general election, younger politicians heading into 2026, activists, and civic leaders are increasingly asserting themselves in national discourse, reshaping political priorities and challenging long-established power structures.
From Parliament to grassroots movements, youth voices are no longer on the periphery; they are steadily moving to the centre of Kenya’s political future.
This emerging landscape can be broadly understood through three groups: young elected leaders already making an impact, rising political influencers and activists, and other young voices shaping national conversations beyond elective office.
Young elected leaders already making waves
Babu Owino
At the forefront of youthful political leadership is Babu Owino, the Member of Parliament for Embakasi East. Born in 1989, Owino rose from student leadership to become one of the most visible youth figures in Kenyan politics. His influence extends beyond his constituency, bolstered by strong youth advocacy credentials and recognition as a top influential youth leader in Africa in 2025.
Babu’s growing influence and popularity within the bigger younger population has been unsettling the old political guards in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party, and now even the Opposition has been wooing him to their side.
Babu’s political moves will be significant in influencing the Nairobi gubernatorial contest and in determining the extent to which the youthful voters who back him can surmount a challenge to the status quo.
As 2027 approaches, he has communicated his interest in vying for the Nairobi County Governor’s seat.
Edwin Sifuna
Whether he is a rebel with a cause or without, Nairobi Senator and ODM Party Secretary General Edwin Sifuna’s next political move, which is imminent, is likely to have political ramifications in the political landscape.
Sifuna has been unhappy with his party’s dalliance with Ruto and has indicated that he would not hesitate to bolt should it back Ruto’s reelection. Sifuna’s move could jolt the party because he’s gotten backing from other restless MPs from the Western Kenya region, like Saboti’s Caleb Amisi and Godfrey Osotsi.
Peter Salasya
Another figure drawing attention in 2026 ahead of the 2027 general election is Mumias East Member of Parliament (MP) Salasya, who has openly declared interest in contesting the presidency in 2027. His political narrative centres on youth inclusion, economic empowerment, and systemic reform. While his ambition is bold, it underscores a broader shift: younger leaders are no longer content with supporting roles and are increasingly willing to seek the highest offices.
Emerging young politicians and activists
Beyond individual leaders, collective youth action is beginning to reshape political organisation. This bloc seeks greater youth inclusion and aims to challenge traditional political alignments ahead of 2027.
Gen Z and young voters now make up a significant portion of the electorate, compelling political parties to rethink their strategies, messaging, and candidate selection. Established political figures are increasingly courting youth support, aware that future electoral success depends on engaging this demographic meaningfully. Prominent figures linked to this movement include Morara Kebaso, among others and Kasmuel McOure.
Morara Kebaso
The INJECT Party leader has recently asserted that the Kenyan youth is the only grouping that can dethrone President William Ruto at the ballot in 2027. In one of his recent social media posts, the political activist has stated that the youth possess three requisite tools that give them the edge over Ruto.
According to Morara, the youth have demonstrated not only their resilience in withstanding state violence and intimidation but also their technological savviness, which is crucial for exposing vote manipulation and enforcing accountability.
Kasmuel McOure
Following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in 2025, vocal Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) youth activist Kasmuel McOure has emerged as a young political activist to watch in 2026 and beyond. McOure first came into the limelight during the 2024 Gen Z-led anti-government protests as one of the top voices against President William Ruto and his administration’s leadership style.
Ahead of the 2027 general election, McOure has urged young ODM party members in their twenties to organise themselves into a disciplined bloc and take ownership of Raila Odinga’s political legacy. He said the current generation of young Democrats can no longer remain spectators in shaping Kenya’s political future.
Emerging women leaders
Women are also part of this generational rise. Fatuma Masito, the Woman Representative for Kwale County, represents a growing cohort of young female politicians making their mark nationally. Her focus on development, gender equality, and youth issues reflects the expanding role of young women in leadership and policy advocacy.
As the 2027 elections approach, young leaders are expected to play pivotal roles: as candidates, coalition builders, agenda-setters, and influencers.