Former Interior Cabinet Secretary, Fred Matiang’i has issued a blunt call to Kenyan youth to take control of the country’s future, warning that failure to do so could have dire consequences.
Speaking at the ACK Church in Kiruguya during the Kirinyaga Diocesan Youth Celebration, Matiang’i told thousands of young people that the responsibility to transform Kenya now rests squarely on their shoulders.
“The Lord has blessed us with a beautiful country. What is destroying it are the mistakes we have made in managing it,” he said.
“Young people, you have a greater responsibility to make Kenya better than it is today.”
In a speech marked by urgency and direct language, the former CS challenged the youth to actively participate in leadership and decision-making processes, arguing that their numbers give them a decisive advantage in shaping the country’s political direction.
“You are more in number — politics is a game of numbers. Take charge of that game! Occupy leadership at all levels and stop allowing non-credible people to occupy positions of responsibility,” Matiang’i said.
He praised young Kenyans for what he described as a growing sense of unity beyond ethnic lines, noting that many have embraced a “tribeless” approach in recent months.
According to him, this shift presents a unique opportunity to redefine the country’s political culture.
Matiang’i urged the youth to hold leaders accountable by demanding transparency and performance, emphasizing the importance of informed voting.
“Help us clean up this country. Ask us tough questions. If we are not worth it, don’t give us the chance,” he said.
He warned that many of the country’s current challenges stem from poor leadership choices made over time and stressed that future outcomes will depend on the decisions young voters make.
“The problems we are facing today are a direct result of the choices we made. But I have faith that you will make better decisions and rescue this country,” he added.
The address comes at a time when political engagement among young people is increasingly seen as a key factor in shaping Kenya’s governance and development trajectory.
The Kirinyaga Diocesan Youth Celebration brought together participants from across the region, focusing on empowerment, leadership and social responsibility among young people.