Young lawmakers push for a third political force ahead of 2027

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna (left) and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and other leaders during during a service at Jesus Teaching Ministry in Nairobi A restless group of young lawmakers is openly challenging Kenya's political order, rejecting party lines and positioning themselves as the nucleus of a youth-led third force. Among them are Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, Kisii Senator Obadia Barongo and Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi. They are part of a broader cohort of youthful legislators across parties who have increasingly broken ranks, unsettling both President William Ruto's Kenya Kwanza and opposition leader Raila Odinga's Azimio la Umoja alliance. The leaders have in recent weeks shared platforms, echoing frustrations with rigid party loyalty and portraying themselves as voices of a new political generation. They argue that Kenyans, especially the youth, are tired of recycled politics and tribal bargains. Babu Owino has been outspoken about what he calls the failure of political parties to serve the people. Edwin Sifuna has pushed back against attempts to silence dissent within Azimio, while Caleb Amisi has consistently branded himself as independent-minded. Gathoni Wamuchomba, one of the few Central Kenya leaders to defy Ruto's dominance, has urged her colleagues to focus on people's needs rather than political alignments. The lawmakers spoke during a service at Jesus Teaching Ministry in Nairobi yesterday, framing their political arguments in biblical terms. Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi said: "We have decided we will... I was an adviser to the current President, William Ruto. When we were campaigning, we promised to remove Kenyans from bottom to top, but after taking over, we forgot our promises. We have started increasing taxes, we have weakened the health sector, education and infrastructure, and now they have started selling companies belonging to Kenyans." Saboti MP Caleb Amisi drew parallels with the story of Caleb and Joshua in the Bible. "Many people fear William Ruto. They say you cannot defeat him. These young leaders you are seeing here do not fear. Just like the Bible says, every Israelite feared the giants, saying we cannot defeat them. It took the audacity of Caleb and Joshua to say, even if they are strong, we will overcome them. Caleb is in this team. We want to release the people of Kenya from the hands of Pharaoh, and we are ready," he said. Embakasi East MP Babu Owino used biblical passages to highlight systemic corruption. "I am an apostle. The Bible says, Woe unto you, the Pharisees, who clean the outside of the cup but leave the inside full of impunity. As a president, you are surrounded by corruption. Ministries meant for health and education are mismanaged, and funds are diverted. Instead of a broad-based government, you see broad-based corruption. You see the money in E-Citizen. Forty billion has been mismanaged," he explained. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna likened their political mission to the courage of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. "We are surrounded by enemies who want to finish us. We are ready to die for the things we believe in. We need the fourth man, we need the angel for this battle placed before us. We have refused to bow to Nebuchadnezzar. We are prepared to face the challenges ahead," he added. Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba also took a swipe at President Ruto, highlighting what she termed government failures. She referenced the discovery of 52 dismembered bodies in the Kware dumpsite last year, saying the government has remained silent on who committed the crime. "We are yet to know who committed the heinous act. As a mother, I am so pained," she noted. But can this group truly transform into a political force? Political analyst Dismas Mokua believes the 2027 election is too complex to draw early conclusions. "The general election is a complicated simultaneous equation with many known knowns, known unknowns and the probability of unknown unknowns influencing the scoreboard. It is still too early to spot a decisive pattern," Mokua explained. Mokua argues that Kenya's political parties are not genuine vehicles of democracy but tools for election victories. "Party owners have a poor appetite for rebellions. They use the pain and pleasure principle to ensure parties serve their interests. That is why internal democracy is almost non-existent," he observed. For young leaders who defy their parties, Mokua says the risks are high. "Rebels must be prepared to either rock the boat from within or form their own outfits. Organising successful party coups in Kenya is almost impossible, which is why ambitious politicians often exit and start new parties," he noted. Even then, youth leaders face daunting challenges. Running outside established political infrastructure demands huge resources, national networks and financial muscle - assets that many young lawmakers struggle to access. According to Mokua, they can only survive if they build a strong strategic narrative and present unique selling points that resonate with Kenyans. Still, he sees opportunity. "There is a high probability of a post-tribe bloc emerging, especially among young voters who have a greater appetite for policy conversations. This bloc could tilt the electoral outcome if it rallies behind leaders who prioritise meritocracy and equity," Mokua added. Gen Z frustrations, he cautioned, may also become a political weapon. "Politicians who crystallise youth frustrations into a movement will have a leg up. But remember, Kenya's old guard never wastes a political crisis. They know how to swim with sharks," he said. Ultimately, Mokua insists Kenyans will not simply vote based on politicians' ages but on whether they answer the fundamental "so what" question. "Voters want leaders who demonstrate character, capacity and competence. Those who fail will be punished for impunity, mediocrity and corruption," he pointed out.

Young lawmakers push for a third political force ahead of 2027

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