Nairobi County Senator Edwin Sifuna has urged young Kenyans to step into politics and help build a generation of leaders committed to the rule of law, insisting that real change in the country cannot rest on one individual.
Speaking during an interview on NTV on Tuesday, Sifuna said the nation is seeking more than just development projects; citizens want leadership that is accountable, transparent, and grounded in constitutionalism.
“It gives great comfort to know that you are not alone,” he said, reflecting on the support he has received, which he said strengthens his resolve to continue pushing for reforms even in the face of challenges.
The Senator emphasized that sustainable transformation requires collective effort. “This country is going to change, not because of one individual, but building critical mass,” he said, urging young people to actively participate in governance at all levels, from Member of County Assembly (MCA) positions to seats in Parliament and Senate.
Sifuna noted that democracy comes with term limits, meaning leadership is temporary, and without a broad base of people who share a consistent philosophy, gains made under one administration can quickly be undone.
“One of the problems with democracy is that you have a limited time in office… you do two terms and you have to leave. If you don't have critical mass of people who believe in taking the same philosophy, you will have one stellar president… then the next time you elect people who believe in a totally different philosophy, and then you find the country stagnating.”
He dismissed the notion that political leadership is reserved for those with money or connections. “Nobody should threaten you that it takes rocket science or magic,” he said. “It’s a different time. I think what Kenyans are looking for is the message and the vision that this country can actually be different.”
Sifuna also highlighted growing public disillusionment with governance and questioned whether development projects are implemented within the law. “Anybody can build a stadium… It is a fantastic facility. But can it be built in accordance with the Constitution and in accordance with the law? That is what Kenyans are yearning for,” he said.
He concluded by stressing that leadership must be transparent and accountable. “Leaders have a duty to explain ourselves, explain our actions, explain our vision,” he said.
