Two Cents Leadership Institute Managing Director, Mundalo Advice, has faulted the opposition’s reading of the recent by-election, saying they misunderstood the political moment and failed to connect with voters.
He said the contest was shaped by President Ruto’s influence, adding that the opposition’s approach relied heavily on emotions instead of real engagement with voters.
Speaking on Tuesday on Radio Generation, Mundalo said the opposition leaned too much on what he called euphoric politics, which in his view did not appeal to voters.
“It looks like when it comes to the vote, the people are not necessarily buying a lot of that narrative,” he said, recalling how the 2022 election cycle had been dominated by tribal arithmetic and emotional appeals.
He noted that strategies based on old ethnic divisions have lost their strength among today’s electorate.
“That kind of language is not going to work for the voter of this generation,” he said, adding that voters now expect clear plans instead of tribal calculations and loud slogans.
Mundalo also expressed concern about low youth participation, especially Gen Z, saying their absence in voting lines was clear during the by-election.
“I did not see the Gen Z predominantly on those voting queues. They were not there,” he said, stressing that anger and online activism must be matched with real participation if young people want a say in governance.
He urged the youth to get involved in decision-making, warning that leaving politics to older generations means their needs will continue to be overlooked. He pointed to the Kasipul by-election, where 27-year-old Boyd Were won, but largely through support from older voters.
“The 27-year-old winner was made MP by the women, by the older folks in the constituency. All these people were not made by the Gen Z,” he said, explaining that most by-elections are shaped by top political figures rather than youthful voters.
Mundalo criticised some opposition leaders for claiming improbable outcomes before the vote and later blaming the results.
“Some leaders said it would be like a near miracle if UDA wins. By making it so known it was impossible, you can’t come today and say this was rigged,” he said.
He added that the opposition has struggled to offer strong alternatives, giving President Ruto an advantage through visible promises and ongoing projects.
“President Ruto continues to look better than them because he has a promise, whether it is 100% or 1%, he is anchored on a promise,” he said, pointing to housing projects, SHIF reforms and the Open University of Kenya as examples.
Mundalo said by-elections play a major role in shaping political energy ahead of a general election.
“By-elections and referendums decide the momentum of the election,” he noted, warning that the opposition risks repeating its mistakes if it keeps focusing on complaints without presenting meaningful solutions.
He closed by saying voters today are more interested in real plans than emotional appeals.
“The voter of this generation wants substance, not slogans. By-elections reveal the reality, tangible promises delivered matter more than rhetoric, and the opposition must adapt if it hopes to compete effectively in 2027.”
