Kalonzo Urges Youth to Lead Kenya Into Issue-Based Politics

By Andrew Mbuva 

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has challenged young Kenyans to rise above ethnic politics, corruption, and personality-driven rivalries, and instead champion a new era of issue-based politics and accountability.

Speaking on Wednesday during the Inter-Party Youth Forum organized by the German Political Foundation, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, Kalonzo said Kenya’s democratic journey from a one-party state to multiparty politics has been marked by turbulence, but progress only comes when leaders put the nation before personal ambition.

“Democracy flourishes not in the shouting of one voice, but in the chorus of many voices coming together in dialogue, compromise, and cooperation,” he said, recalling past coalition experiences from NARC to Azimio as examples of unity across divides.

Kalonzo urged young people to see themselves not as future leaders, but as leaders of today whose decisions will shape the country’s democratic trajectory.

“You must reject corruption, resist manipulation, and embrace values of service. Demand accountability not only from your leaders, but also from yourselves. The future you dream of will not be handed to you, it will be built by you,” he told the youth delegates.

The former Vice President proposed the establishment of a structured Inter-Party Youth Council, bringing together young leaders from different political parties to dialogue, build trust, and prepare for leadership.

“Kenya does not need politics of strongmen. Kenya needs strong institutions, strong values, and strong young leaders like you. If you can walk this path, then the promise of our democracy will outlive us all,” Kalonzo concluded.