In a recent episode of Political Ringside, host Kevin Waswa spoke with Kibra youth leader OMO Wiseman about why some young Kenyans continue to support President William Ruto’s re-election bid despite strong Gen Z frustration, especially following the 2024 Finance Bill protests that saw many young people take to the streets across the country.
OMO Wiseman, who serves as ODM secretary general in Kibra and is part of a long-standing local pressure group, shared his views from the ground in one of Nairobi’s most politically active areas.
He explained that his daily work involves engaging young people through civic education and voter sensitization, encouraging them to register and take an active role in shaping leadership.
For him, politics is not only about slogans or party loyalty but about what people experience in their daily lives and how they interpret government actions over time.
He noted that his support for President Ruto is based on what he sees as practical developments rather than blind loyalty.
He pointed to the agricultural sector, where subsidized fertilizer has helped reduce production costs for farmers in various regions.
According to him, this has had a direct impact on food supply and prices, even if the effects are not always immediately felt in every household. He also mentioned ongoing road construction projects that are improving connectivity between different parts of the country, making transport and trade easier for communities that were previously isolated.
OMO also highlighted affordable housing programs as part of the government’s broader development agenda. While acknowledging that such projects take time to fully benefit citizens, he argued that they represent steps in the right direction.
In his view, leadership should be judged not only on short-term challenges but also on whether there is visible progress being made over time.
The discussion on Political Ringside also addressed the anger that fueled last year’s protests, especially concerns over high living costs and unemployment among young people.
OMO did not dismiss these issues. Instead, he admitted they are real and affect many households. However, he suggested that the formation of a broad-based government afterward was a move aimed at reducing political tension and promoting national unity.
He believes that stability is necessary for development, and that constant political conflict slows down progress for ordinary citizens.
Kibra’s political environment, which has historically been active and competitive, shapes much of OMO’s perspective. He emphasized that not all young people who support the current administration are simply following party lines.
Many, he said, are carefully weighing both the challenges they face and the improvements they can see in infrastructure, agriculture, and government programs.
This balance, in his opinion, is what informs their political choices as the country moves closer to the 2027 elections.
He acknowledged that many young Kenyans remain critical of the government. Issues such as unemployment, economic pressure, and slow delivery of promises continue to fuel frustration, especially online where political debates are often intense.
He is aware that his position is debated strongly, but maintains that it is important to recognize both criticism and support as part of a wider national conversation.
Some will continue to push for change through protests and new political movements, while others, like OMO Wiseman, believe in working within existing systems and giving current leadership more time to deliver results.
The conversation on Political Ringside reflects this national reality, where the same conditions are interpreted differently depending on personal experience and expectations.
