Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has called for greater opportunities for young Kenyans, warning that the country’s future could be at risk if their concerns continue to be ignored.
Speaking at Divine International Word Outreach in Nairobi’s Industrial Area on Sunday, Kalonzo said many young people were educated, capable and ready to work but lacked opportunities to improve their livelihoods.
He said growing frustration among young Kenyans was driving demands for political and economic change, and warned against responding to citizens exercising their rights with intimidation or violence.
“Our children are crying out. They are educated, capable, ready to work, yet too many have no opportunity. And when they raise their voices to demand a better Kenya, they are met with intimidation and, too often, violence. This cannot define us,” Kalonzo said.
The former vice-president said the country needed to restore confidence among young people, arguing that their sense of hope was closely linked to Kenya’s future.
“A country that loses the confidence of its youth risks losing its future,” he said.
Kalonzo was speaking after a church service where Pastor Ruth Hillary led the congregation through a passage from the biblical Book of Jeremiah.
The passage, Jeremiah 29:11, speaks of hope, prosperity and a future, which Kalonzo noted was particularly relevant to Kenya’s young people facing uncertainty about their prospects.
He said the country needed to provide young people with opportunities while respecting their constitutional rights, including the right to demonstrate peacefully.
Kalonzo also pledged to continue advocating for political and democratic reforms through peaceful and lawful means.
“We will stand firm, peacefully and lawfully, for our rights. The right to demonstrate is guaranteed, and no Kenyan should be threatened for exercising it.”
His remarks come as political leaders increasingly focus on the youth ahead of the 2027 General Election, with young Kenyans expected to play an important role in determining the outcome.
Kalonzo also stressed the importance of respecting the will of voters and called for a credible electoral process in the next presidential contest.
“The will of the people must be respected, the next election must be free and fair.”
The Wiper leader framed his message around hope, justice and peaceful political participation, saying the country’s young population should be given reasons to believe in its future.
“As we continue this fight for the liberation of Kenya, I pray God restores hope to our young people, opens doors for them, and grants our nation the peace and justice we are due,” he said.
His comments add to a wider political debate over youth unemployment, economic opportunity, civic rights and the direction of the country ahead of the 2027 elections.
Kalonzo’s message also comes as opposition leaders position themselves and their political formations ahead of the next electoral contest, with calls for greater youth participation and a peaceful political environment becoming increasingly prominent.