'Avoid simping' Morara Kebaso tells elected leaders

Kebaso mentioned a few names in the opposition’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party who have kept the faith of keeping progressive voices.

“These are the people not erasing their DNA”, Kebaso said referring to the recent wave of confusion evident in the party after the formation of the broad-based government.

In his opinion, most of the leaders would continue to “simp” and fail to address underdevelopment to continue obtaining favours before the president while some are looking forward to the 2027 political endorsement.

According to Kebaso, it is not wise for youth to join long-established political parties.

“We become part of the problem, and it will rub in on you,” said Kebaso while referring to Kasmuel Mcoure who had recently joined ODM.

Mcoure in defense explained why he ditched the Gen-Z movement for ODM despite having pulled the mass.

“When we were at the peak of the movement, we agreed that we would just keep it a movement and not a political party. I decided to join a political party because I did an analysis, the party aligned with my ideologies,” said Mcoure who now serves as ODM Youth League.

Mcoure said that the Gen-Zs have overtaken the digital space to push for accountability substituting for the demonstrations witnessed in 2024.

In preparation for a change in leadership, Mcoure urged youth to start voting for policies and not personalities.

Kebaso shared a similar opinion urging citizens to start taking up the role of accountability.

“We need to realize that our problem is not just leaders, it’s the system that brings these leaders to power. What are we doing to expand our choices? In counties where I have seen work almost happen, the citizens are very aggressive in following up on projects promised to them,” he urged.

He said that young people still face challenges that deter them from vying for political seats citing financial constraints and fear.

“Most of the young people are economically impoverished, they do not have a chance in elective politics because they do not have the kind of money that politicians have which they use to campaign. There is also fear because young people are very expressive. There is fear of being targeted, abducted, killed, or disappeared,” he said.

Kebaso urged voters to change their attitude towards asking for money from aspirants during campaigns to enable young people to try their luck without financing.