Matiang’i Urges Youth To Take Over Leadership Ahead Of 2027 Polls
Politics Updated: 19 April 2026 09:45 EAT
Jubilee Party Deputy Party Leader Dr Fred Matiang'i engages young people at the Kenya Anglican Youth Organization (KAYO) Conference at St. Thomas Cathedral, Kerugoya, Kirinyaga County.
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i delivered a strongly worded appeal to young people in Kerugoya, Kirinyaga County, calling on them to take ownership of Kenya’s future leadership and national direction.
He opened his remarks by emphasizing national potential, stating that the country is not fundamentally broken, but has suffered from leadership and management failures that can still be corrected.
He said Kenya’s future remains bright if citizens commit to better governance, noting that responsibility for change must be shared across generations.
In his address, he stressed the weight of youth responsibility, pointing out demographic realities that place the future of the country firmly in their hands.
He said, “The Lord has blessed us with a wonderful country. There’s nothing wrong with our country. It is the mistakes that we have made sometimes in the management of our nation.”
He added that correcting those mistakes requires humility and collective effort, insisting that Kenyans must aim for steady improvement rather than blame.
Matiang’i told the youth that their role is particularly significant because they will outlive current leaders and therefore inherit the long-term consequences of today’s decisions.
He said, “Many of you will outlive the people seated on this side of the sanctuary. And therefore you have a greater responsibility to do more.”
He urged young people to commit themselves more actively to leadership and national service, encouraging them to shape a better future through action rather than observation.
He further said, “Let us now occupy leadership. Let’s not just talk about occupying the spaces we have been occupying.”
Matiang’i tied his message to the upcoming 2027 general election, urging youth to treat it as an opportunity for generational change in leadership.
He said, “The 2027 general election should be about young people occupying leadership so that you make the changes that you desire.”
He also encouraged them to use their numbers strategically in politics, emphasizing the importance of participation and voter registration.
He said, “If politics is a game of numbers, please take charge of that game as young people.”
The former CS warned against electing leaders without credible plans, urging youth to scrutinize political promises carefully before making decisions.
He said, “Do not allow people who do not make sense to you or who do not offer credible proposals to occupy positions of leadership.”
Matiang’i also reflected on national unity, noting that young people have already demonstrated the possibility of living beyond divisions and focusing on shared goals.
He said, “You’ve taught us that it’s possible to live in this country tribelessly and focus on the things that need to be done.”
He praised growing youth participation in leadership spaces, describing it as a positive shift that should be strengthened going forward.
He added, “I am so grateful to see so many young people volunteering themselves and stepping into the responsibilities of leadership.”
Matiang’i concluded by urging critical engagement in politics, insisting that leadership must remain a two-way conversation between citizens and those seeking office.
He said, “Scrutinize us, ask us questions… look at what we have done. Our country is too important for us to play games with it.”
Tags: 2027 general elections 6G Edit Editor's Pick Editors choice Fred Matiangi Fred Matiang'I Jubilee Jubilee Party Kirinyaga County Matiangi One Term One term Pcea Kerugoya Political Parties Political Party Political Science Political tensions Politics United Opposition Voter Register Wantam Wantam
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FELIX MAKONA
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