20/04/2025
The Power We Almost Held: Why the Youth Revolution Was Stopped
Written by
AFRIQ24 in POLITICAL
By Mzalendo | Afriq24
Kenya’s youth were on the brink of a political revolution. A new wave of consciousness, frustration, and bold ambition was rising. For a moment, it looked like young people were ready to take power. So why didn’t they?
The answer is painfully simple.
The political class regardless of party or tribe united quickly to protect one of their own. They didn’t care about Jubilee, ODM, UDA, or any other party banners. They weren’t driven by ideology or loyalty to the people. Their only mission was to hold on to power and continue enjoying the fruits of your taxes.
They closed ranks to safeguard the system.
You see, every politician is out for himself. When faced with a real threat to the status quo when it looked like the system could be overthrown they found common ground instantly. Their survival instinct kicked in. Tribalism, which they constantly weaponize, was set aside for their own unity.
Tribalism, unfortunately, is still alive and well especially at the county level. It’s what defines appointments, tenders, and decision-making. It can be challenged, and slowly dismantled, but not within a single election cycle.
As we head into 2027, expect a storm. The next election is shaping up to be chaotic and possibly violent. Why? Because of one thing the political class fears: information.
Social media has become a tool for free civic education. People are asking questions. They are organizing. They are thinking beyond tribe. And for those in power, that is dangerous.
The system we live in has been tried and tested by many who brought policies and manifestos some genuine, some hollow. Most failed because the system is designed to resist change. The revolution that was gaining momentum fueled by the youth could have changed everything. But it was crushed before it peaked.
Still, all hope isn’t lost.
Your ID card is your weapon. Your vote is your power. But let’s be realistic: you won’t change Raila’s support base in Nyanza overnight. Tribal voting patterns are deeply entrenched. In 2027, some of these tribal kingpins will lose support, but not all of it. Devolution, by its very structure, has reinforced tribal-based politics.
Yet, if the youth stay woke, informed, and organized, this power structure can crack. Slowly but surely.
The revolution didn’t die. It just paused.