Njeri Maina: Time for Gen Z to trade streets for ballot boxes

Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina. [Courtesy]

Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina has called on young Kenyans to move beyond street protests and seek elective office instead, arguing that civic activism should translate into political leadership.

Speaking  on Monday, August 24, at a youth engagement organised by the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri, Maina told Gen Z that demonstrations and public debate alone were not enough.

She said young people should also compete for positions from which they can shape policy and governance.

"During the Gen Z protests, I was on the front line defending those arrested during the protests. I could enter the court at 7 a.m. and leave court late in the evening," she said.

Maina pressed aspiring leaders to seize the political space opening up for them rather than let established politicians dominate the field.

She pointed to her own trajectory as evidence the path was possible, noting she was elected Kirinyaga Woman Representative at 27 after being told she would not succeed.

She challenged young aspirants to build relationships with voters at the grassroots, including small-scale traders and boda boda riders, and to actively market themselves.

Maina also cited Gachagua's support for arrested protesters as proof of his commitment to the country's youth, claiming he contributed Sh10 million towards bailing young people held during the demonstrations.

"Our party leader is committed to the leadership of young people in Kenya. Our party leader, Rigathi Gachagua, contributed Sh10 million towards securing bail for those arrested during the demonstrations," she noted.

She said Gachagua had assured young people seeking elective seats that DCP would hold free and fair nominations.

"He has also assured us that our party will conduct free, fair and transparent nominations, giving every aspiring leader an equal opportunity to compete," she explained.

Her remarks come as political parties step up grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election, with youth expected to play a major role as both voters and candidates.

She called on young Kenyans to support one another and recognise their different talents and abilities in shaping the country's future leadership.