NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has made an unexpected yet strategic move in his latest political venture—tapping into Kenya’s most vocal and digitally savvy generation.
As he lays the groundwork for his new party, Gachagua has declared that his deputy party leader will be a Gen Z.
Blending Experience with Fresh Energy
In a media roundtable with Kamba-speaking radio stations on Wednesday, Gachagua emphasized that his party will be deeply rooted in youth engagement.
He dismissed the outdated notion that young people are merely “leaders of tomorrow,” asserting instead that they should be at the forefront today.
The former DP Rigathi Gachagua discloses that Gen Zs & millennials will drive his political party once it’s launched in May this year
“My party will involve Gen Z to a very large extent. I will be the party leader, and my deputy will be a Gen Z,” he said.
“I want to mentor them. I bring experience; they bring knowledge and creativity. Together, we create the perfect balance for leadership.”
This announcement aligns with a growing trend in Kenyan politics, where younger voices are demanding space in governance.
It also highlights Gachagua’s strategic pivot to a demographic that has proven its influence, particularly in the wake of recent anti-government demonstrations.
Winning Over the Protest Generation
Gachagua insists that his connection with Gen Z is not newfound political rhetoric but rather a relationship built on mutual trust.
He pointed to his vocal support for young people during the wave of Gen Z-led protests against government policies, stating that he “paid a very heavy price” for standing with them.
“The day it mattered most, I spoke for them, and I stood with them. I’m not speaking for Gen Z because I left office—I spoke when I was in office,” he said, adding that his authenticity has earned him a strong following among young voters.
The former DP has positioned himself as an ally of the youth, portraying his political struggles as proof of his commitment.
With Kenya’s younger electorate growing increasingly disillusioned with traditional politics, Gachagua is betting that this demographic will see him as a genuine alternative.
Building Political Bridges
Beyond engaging Gen Z, Gachagua has been making moves to build a broader political alliance.
He has held meetings with key opposition figures, including Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Martha Karua of the People’s Liberation Party.
These engagements suggest he is setting the stage for a political comeback that extends beyond a single demographic.
His outreach also includes consultations with professionals, elected leaders, and political strategists, signaling that his ambitions extend far beyond just launching a party.
While details of his political roadmap remain unclear, his embrace of Kenya’s digital-first youth and political veterans alike is a strategy to watch.
A New Political Chapter?
Gachagua’s move to center Gen Z in his party leadership is bold, if not unprecedented.
Whether this strategy translates into tangible political influence remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—Kenya’s young voters are no longer just an afterthought in political campaigns.
With his party in the works and alliances taking shape, the former DP is gearing up for a new chapter.
