Kenya is at a turning point. Deadly youth-led protests have shaken the country, forcing new faces to step into the political spotlight ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Human rights activist Boniface Mwangi and former chief justice David Maraga have both thrown their hats in the ring, hoping to ride on the wave of frustration over corruption, police violence, and the rising cost of living.
At the centre of this movement is Kenya’s Gen Z — young people who are mobilising massively through social media. They are angry, restless, and demanding change. The death of popular blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody has only deepened the rage, making the slogan “Ruto wantam” a rallying cry against President William Ruto’s second-term ambition. More than 30 protesters have already lost their lives in clashes with security forces, showing how intense the standoff has become.
Mwangi, known for his fiery anti-corruption campaigns, is running as an independent, saying he wants no part of what he calls “contaminated politics.” His words echo strongly among young Kenyans who feel alienated by the current political class. On the other hand, Maraga, the respected former chief justice, brings credibility and a track record of integrity. Their emergence shows how discontent from the streets is slowly shaping itself into political opportunity.
President Ruto, though still in control of parliament, has been walking a tightrope since the 2024 finance bill crisis. The bill, which introduced fresh taxes, triggered protests that escalated into the storming of parliament. His decision to withdraw it was seen as a win for the people, but it badly bruised his government’s image. Many analysts believe that unless Ruto reconnects with the youth, his re-election chances will remain shaky.
As Kenya looks ahead to 2027, one thing is clear: the country’s young, educated but economically strained population is no longer sitting quietly on the sidelines. Whether Mwangi or Maraga can truly convert that anger into a winning campaign is yet to be seen. But for now, Kenya’s Gen Z has proved that they are a political force that no candidate can afford to ignore.
