Presidential hopeful Kalonzo Musyoka vows to support youth

There is a song that the newly-crowned Wiper Patriotic Front (WPF) presidential nominee Kalonzo Musyoka enjoys dancing to during times of intense political activity.

‘Buffalo Soldier’ by reggae icon the late Bob Nesta Marley, is a song that oddly rhymes with Mr Musyoka's character, yet has in the recent past come to symbolise the spirit of resistance and his unbowed fight for justice.

Although the song's historical context is oceans apart--geographically speaking--with the present-day Kenya, the thematic parallels ring a bell in the minds of Kenyans conscious of the struggle for survival, cultural identity, as well as freedom and justice.

The song was popular with the youths of yester-years.

In June 2024, Kenya's Gen-Zs--youthful population--rose up in resistance against what they termed as unfair taxation and general misrule.

Their resistance crushed along the way because of various factors, but since then, Mr Musyoka has used every opportunity to remind the country of the Gen-Zs' cause which is also embodied in the 'Buffalo Soldier' song.

Suffice to say ‘Buffalo Soldier’ is a powerful song that commemorates the struggles and resilience of African people, from slavery to the present day.

Through its themes and symbolism, Marley conveys a message of hope, resistance, and the importance of understanding one's history and cultural identity.

The Wiper NDC which was graced by key opposition figures Mr Rigathi Gachagua (Democracy for the Citizens Party - DCP), Dr Fred Matiang'i (affiliated with Jubilee Party), Mr Eugene Wamalwa, Martha Karua (People's Liberation Party - PLP), and former Speaker of the National Assembly Justin Muturi (Democratic Party - DP), among a host of elected leaders, was heavy on the youth agenda.

Mr Musyoka himself in his acceptance speech decried the oppression and mistreatment of the youthful population.

“Most heartbreaking of all is the plight of our young people. The bold, creative, and courageous Gen Zs took to the streets to demand justice, jobs, and dignity. But their voices on June 25, 2024, were met not with dialogue, but with bullets and intimidation. A government that silences its own children has lost the right to lead,” said the Wiper leader on Friday at Uhuru Park during the party’s National Delegates Conference (NDC).

He painted the picture of a nation that had veered off the track and needed to urgently reset.

"We are a nation with one of the best-educated populations in Africa, yet our young people, bright, creative, and full of potential remain unemployed and disillusioned. Our graduates hawk goods on the streets while unqualified cronies occupy top positions in government. This is not the Kenya we envisioned," said Mr Musyoka.

He said education, once the key to opportunity, has become a burden. Parents are drowning in debt, teachers and lecturers are demoralised and students are uncertain of their future.

The WPF leader said the government he envisions to form will create real jobs for the youth. 

He promised that every county will have a functional youth enterprise fund that is transparent and theft-free.

"We will establish technology hubs, creative centres, and local industries to absorb young talent," he said.

Mr Musyoka who rose to leadership while still youthful, has in the recent past been flanked by youths from various parts of Kenya among them prominent lawyer Ndegwa Njiru, who has of late typified the Gen Zs' fighting spirit in the corridors of justice.

A Communication Strategist Kelvin Mutwiwa, allied to Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti was also involved in the planning of the WPF conference, signifying an increasing involvement of the youth in Mr Musyoka's strategy towards the 2027 General Election.

"Attending and actively participating in the planning of the NDC for the Wiper has been a truly eye-opening experience. It has given me firsthand insight into the inner workings of a political party, from policy formulation and strategic planning to alliance-building and internal governance. As we head toward the General Election, I’m honoured to be part of this important journey…contributing to a democratic process that shapes the future of our nation," said Mr Mutwiwa.

The ramifications of the Wiper NDC are still reverberating across social media.

Pauline Njoroge wrote, "After a successful Wiper NDC, some broad-based government supporters who have been living in denial were all over social media making funny claims:

"Oh, very soon you’ll see Kalonzo being taken maraundi State House.”

"Oh, Kalonzo is joining Ruto soon. Gideon Moi has already gone to pave the way.”

“Ohhh…”

"Let’s be serious. Why would Mr Musyoka abandon the united opposition when he now stands his best chance at the presidency? With a solid opening balance from Mt Kenya, Kamba, and Kisii regions, and additional support from parts of the Coast, Western, and the Maa community, what would he be running to Dr Ruto for? What exactly would Dr Ruto be offering him? Mr Musyoka is not a man who will trade his inheritance for a morsel of bread."

Read: Why Ruto chose to include Gideon Moi in broad-based gov't

As the clock ticks towards the 2027 Presidential Election, the youth seem to be dancing to the tune of 'Buffalo Soldier' and the country is listening and watching the direction of the Wiper Patriotic Front.

Mr Musyoka is expected to take on President William Ruto at the ballot.

Dr Ruto-led government has promised to empower the youth through the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project, which aims to create employment, boost income, and promote savings among vulnerable youth through apprenticeships, entrepreneurship support, and savings programmes like the Haba Haba Scheme.