For far too long, Kenyan politicians have ridden the wave of forgetfulness that seems to plague voters.
Election cycle after election cycle, the same leaders, armed with the same empty promises, return to the stage, ready to weave their webs of deceit.
And yet, time and again, the electorate has been swayed, later retreating to their homes to grumble about poor leadership and unmet expectations.
This pattern, however, is on the brink of a seismic shift. Enter Generation Z, the torchbearers of a new political era.
Generation Z, those born from the mid-1990s to the early 2010s, are stepping into the voter demographic with a determination and savvy that is unprecedented.
What makes this generation particularly formidable is their knack for technology and their unwavering commitment to truth.
This is a cohort that has grown up with the internet at their fingertips, and they are adept at using it to unearth the skeletons in politicians’ closets. For a politician, this spells trouble.
The days of unchallenged rhetoric are over. Gen Z voters have the tools and the will to dig up old videos, photos, and records of unfulfilled promises.
They are not content with glossy campaign ads and grandiose speeches. Instead, they scour the digital archives, seeking out inconsistencies and holding leaders accountable. In the age of social media, a politician’s past is never truly buried.
Gen Z will ensure that every broken promise and every failed initiative is brought to light, making it exceedingly difficult for leaders to recycle the same tired lies.
Moreover, this generation is less encumbered by the tribal loyalties that have historically influenced Kenyan politics.
The curse of tribalism has long been a tool for politicians to divide and conquer, appealing to ethnic loyalties to secure votes.
However, Gen Z’s exposure to global cultures and ideals, coupled with their more cosmopolitan upbringing, has fostered a broader sense of identity that transcends tribal lines.
They are more likely to vote based on policies and performance rather than ethnic affiliation.
This shift is crucial in breaking the cycle of poor leadership, as it challenges politicians to appeal to a more unified and discerning electorate.
The impact of this generational shift cannot be overstated. Politicians will no longer be able to rely on a populace with a short memory.
The digital age has made it possible for Gen Z to document and disseminate information rapidly, ensuring that accountability is not just a buzzword but a lived reality.
They are likely to reject leaders who have repeatedly failed to deliver, opting instead for fresh faces who bring genuine change.
Additionally, the values that drive Gen Z are inherently different.
They prioritize transparency, inclusivity, and social justice—principles that many seasoned politicians have yet to fully embrace.
This generational pressure will force political figures to adapt or face irrelevance. Leaders will need to be more transparent, actively engaging with their electorate in meaningful ways, and delivering tangible results if they hope to gain the support of this new wave of voters.
The so-called tomorrow’s leaders are here and ready to take over.
