Political activist Morara Kebaso has called on Kenyan youth to form new political parties to challenge tribalism and corruption entrenched in the country’s longstanding political formations.

In a message posted on X, dated November 8, 2025, Kebaso stated, “We would rather have an imperfect, chaotic youth party that dares to end tribalism and corruption than sit idle and watch Kenya’s promise fade away.”

Kebaso, who played a prominent role in the 2024 Gen Z protests and founded the INJECT party, argued that efforts to reform the political system from within have proven ineffective.

“Let us not lie to ourselves that we can change a system from within. No one can learn integrity from the corrupt. No one can learn selflessness from the selfish,he said.

Also watch: Former president Uhuru Kenyatta’s message to the youths

According to Kebaso, joining existing political structures results in assimilation.

“Once you join their political party, you learn from them and become like them. And that is how an older corrupt generation hands over power to a younger corrupt generation.” He urged youth to step forward, saying, “I encourage you to do it now before it’s too late. I tried, and I got tired. It is your turn to try.”

Calls for structural reform

Kebaso’s sentiments were echoed by former Roots Party presidential running mate Justina Wamae, who highlighted financial barriers facing new political entrants. “True, MOST political parties are owned by individuals. Registering one on the cheap is Ksh10M. Ukiongea unaulizwa zako ni ngapi? Unanyamaza!” Wamae posted.

She proposed a simplified registration system. “This will happen until the process of registration is made as cheap and easy as a business name registration. Kenyans as well should not demand handouts to join a political party.”

Wamae questioned the impact of independent office holders, noting, “Now that you say political parties are not good. Did you know in the National Assembly there are 12 MNAs elected as independents? Do you know them? What do they stand for? Have you watched their voting patterns?” She added that the objective should be “not a bora chama one but a chama bora”, anchored on ideology and policy solutions.

Debate ahead of 2027 polls

Efforts to strengthen political institutions continue, with IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon saying, “We come together not as separate entities but as partners united by a common responsibility to protect the will of the Kenyan people through credible, peaceful and inclusive elections.”

Financial inequality among parties remains a concern. The Kenya Gazette shows UDA and ODM received Ksh789 million and Ksh421 million, respectively, from the Political Parties Fund, while smaller parties struggle. National Liberal Party leader Augustus Muli said, “This has crippled our ability to operate offices and organise campaigns.”

Amid this, Kebaso’s earlier remark on tribalism continues to resonate. “You don’t just want to elect someone from your tribe; you want to elect the most corrupt person from your tribe. Then you complain about the economy and unemployment. Why would you complain?”