There is a phrase many young people have heard: “Wewe bado ni kijana.” Sometimes it is advice, but in politics it can feel like a dismissal—as if being young means being incapable of contributing.
But being young does not mean being voiceless.
Young people in Likuyani are increasingly part of political conversations—attending meetings, mobilising and creating political content. The question is whether they are being heard.
The Voice Social Media Has Given Us
Social media has changed local politics. Facebook groups such as Soy Daily Report, Likuyani Constituency Eyes and Matunda Massive Group, together with WhatsApp groups, have created spaces for political and community discussions.
Young people campaign, create content, share messages and mobilise. Social media has given young people a microphone.
But having a microphone does not always mean freedom to speak.
The Pseudo Account Problem
There is an interesting contradiction in our online politics. Many young people passionately campaign for politicians, yet when they want to criticise an MCA, MP or Governor, some prefer to use pseudo accounts.
Why? Fear of consequences, losing opportunities, or wanting to maintain relationships with different political camps?
There are legitimate reasons for anonymity. But if we want our voices to matter, shouldn't we also have the courage to own them when it is safe to do so?
Criticism should not mean hatred.
Supporting a politician should not mean surrendering your independent mind.
Supporting a Politician Does Not Mean Surrendering Independence
I have experienced this myself. When I criticise a politician, some people assume my criticism is not genuine because I support Hon. Deberious Shikuku Wafula. The assumption becomes: “You support Shikuku, so somebody must have sent you.”
But why can't a young person simply have an opinion?
A young person can support one politician and still criticise another. Political independence means retaining the ability to think, question and make your own judgments.
Young People Must Also Look in the Mirror
It would be easy to blame older generations. But we must also ask difficult questions about ourselves.
Are we entering politics because we believe in certain ideas, or because we want handouts, positions or access?
Some young political actors appear to move from one political camp to another depending on where the next opportunity comes from. Leo hapa, kesho kule.
Changing political views is not wrong. But there is a difference between changing one's position because of conviction and changing it for personal benefit.
If we want to be respected as political stakeholders, our voices cannot be for sale.
From Gen Z to Formal Politics
Kenya’s 2024 Gen Z protests demonstrated the power of young voices. Young Kenyans used social media to organise and challenge political decisions. Kasmuel McOure became one of the recognisable young voices of that period.
His later move into formal party politics sparked debate about whether young activists can enter established structures without losing their principles.
The bigger question is: what happens when young activists enter formal politics? Can they do so without becoming the system they criticised?
That question matters in Likuyani too.
Looking Towards 2027
As we approach 2027, more young people are showing interest in elective politics, including MCA, MP and Woman Representative positions.
This is encouraging. But being young should not be the qualification.
Young candidates should answer: What do you stand for? What problem are you solving? Why should people trust you?
The argument should not simply be, “I am young.” It should be, “Here is what I believe and why I am prepared to serve.”
What Can Young People and Elders Learn From Each Other?
The conversation should not become young people versus elders.
Young people can learn from elders—history, patience and experience. Elders can learn from young people—technology, new ideas and a different understanding of today’s challenges.
We do not need to push one generation aside. We need a political culture where experience is respected, but age is not used to silence new ideas.
We are young. We are still learning. We will make mistakes.
But we are not voiceless.
Perhaps the challenge is getting to the table and ensuring we have something meaningful to say.
Stay informed. Stay ahead.
#LikuyaniDigest #GroundReality #YouthVoices #CharlesSambai
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