In a recent interview on Political Ringside, young activist Ken Babu clearly stated his intention to run for Nairobi Senator, aiming to unseat the current office holder Edwin Sifuna.
Speaking with host Fridah Mong’are, Babu explained his reasons for entering the race and outlined the changes he believes Nairobi urgently needs.
During the discussion, Babu presented himself as a strong believer in youth participation in leadership. He emphasized that young people should not only take part in voting but should also actively seek elective positions such as MCA, MP, governor, or senator. According to him, leadership spaces should reflect the energy and ideas of the younger generation, especially at a time when many are frustrated with the current system.
He pointed to the poor state of services in Nairobi as a key motivation behind his decision. Babu highlighted areas like Marikiti and Nyamakima, where garbage collection remains inconsistent and roads are often overwhelmed by waste. He also raised concerns about frequent flooding during rainy seasons, arguing that despite the funds allocated to the county through devolution, the impact is not felt by ordinary residents. In his view, the issue is not a lack of resources but how those resources are managed.
Babu further spoke about the promise of devolution, which was meant to improve sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure at the county level.
However, he noted that mismanagement and, in some cases, misuse of public funds have limited the benefits reaching citizens.
He connected these governance challenges to the growing problem of youth unemployment, saying that jobless young people are often drawn into political activities as hired groups during protests and rallies.
He stressed that many of these youths are not criminals but are instead dealing with frustration and lack of opportunity. He argued that addressing unemployment through practical policies could help reduce insecurity and political violence.
On his political strategy, Babu said he plans to run on a DCP party ticket. He acknowledged that competing against a well-known figure like Sifuna will not be easy, especially due to financial demands and party dynamics.
Despite this, he expressed confidence in building support from the grassroots, saying that Nairobi voters will ultimately decide based on issues that affect their daily lives. He also called for stronger accountability measures, including making it easier for voters to recall leaders who fail to perform.
The conversation also touched on the planned June 25 protests. Babu supported the idea of holding the protests to honor those who lost their lives in previous demonstrations.
He questioned the use of live bullets on peaceful protesters and cautioned against the continued use of young people in political confrontations.
Throughout the interview, Babu returned to the theme of dignity in leadership. He spoke about the need for proper oversight of county spending and a clear understanding of the roles of national and county governments.
For him, the Senate bid represents more than a personal ambition. It reflects a wider push for younger voices to influence policy and governance in a meaningful way.
Babu’s message remained consistent. He believes Nairobi needs leaders who focus on practical issues such as clean environments, employment, and safety.
Political Ringside continues to provide a platform where emerging leaders like Ken Babu can share their ideas, discuss governance issues and engage the public on important political conversations shaping the country.
