Here’s a bold statement: Kenya’s political landscape is about to be reshaped by the voices of its youngest generation. But here’s where it gets controversial—the Democratic Change Party (DCP), led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, has just unveiled a youth-driven agenda that could redefine how politics is done in the country. Published on November 5, 2025, this move isn’t just about the 2027 General Election; it’s a declaration of intent from a generation that refuses to be sidelined.
At the DCP headquarters in Nairobi, Party Youth Leader Wanjiku Thiga delivered a powerful message: ‘We are the generation that refuses to be silenced. Our revolution won’t be televised—it will be organized.’ These words, spoken during the DCP Youth League Forum, weren’t just rhetoric; they were a call to action. With Gachagua and Secretary General Cleophas Malala in attendance, the event marked the beginning of a strategic shift aimed at amplifying youth voices in Kenyan politics.
Thiga introduced the Youth Training Manual, dubbed the ‘political Bible’ for young aspirants. This resource is designed to empower emerging leaders, equipping them with the skills to champion DCP’s vision. ‘We’re building a new breed of leaders—unbought, unbowed, and unstoppable,’ she declared. But this isn’t just about training; it’s about transformation. The Youth League has set ambitious targets, including increasing youth representation in elected offices. Currently, only 52 out of 330 Members of Parliament are youth—a statistic Thiga vows to change. ‘We’re coming for those seats,’ she asserted, pointing to Parliament, County Assemblies, and every decision-making space.
And this is the part most people miss—Thiga proposed waiving nomination fees for youth aspirants, replacing them with a requirement to recruit new party members. ‘Leadership should never be for sale,’ she argued. MCA aspirants would need to register 1,000 new members, MPs 2,500, and Governors, Senators, and Women Representatives 5,000. This approach, she explained, builds the party from the ground up, rooted in numbers, loyalty, and action.
Gender inclusion was another focal point. Out of 1,450 elected MCAs in Kenya, only 12 are young women. ‘Achieving the two-thirds gender rule isn’t a burden—it’s a moral duty,’ Thiga emphasized. The Youth League aims to ensure young women stand shoulder to shoulder with young men in leadership roles.
The strategic plan for 2027 is nothing short of audacious: training over 300 young aspirants, establishing youth offices in all 47 counties, mobilizing 3 million youth votes, integrating three youth policies into the national agenda, and launching University and TVET Chapters nationwide. Thiga’s rallying cry for youth mobilization highlighted grassroots leaders already driving voter registration and civic engagement. ‘This is true patriotism—youth stepping out of their comfort zones to awaken the conscience of a nation,’ she said.
Here’s the controversial question: Can this youth-led movement truly challenge the status quo, or will it face resistance from established political forces? Thiga’s closing words leave no room for doubt: ‘We are not the leaders of tomorrow; we are the leaders of today. Our time is now. Our voices are loud. Our movement is unstoppable.’
The DCP Youth League Forum is just the beginning. A series of nationwide youth activities will culminate in the party’s National Youth Summit, a pre-launch event ahead of DCP’s official national rollout. This isn’t just a political strategy—it’s a generational shift. What do you think? Is this the future of Kenyan politics, or is it too ambitious? Let’s discuss in the comments.
