• In a recent Talkchat Podcast interview, political analyst Dr. Michael Ndonye painted a vivid picture of Kenya’s youngest voters. Gen Z, he argued, is not just another youth wave waiting for direction.
  • According to the analyst, their unpredictable nature has become one of the defining elements of the country’s political landscape.

In a recent Talkchat Podcast interview, political analyst Dr. Michael Ndonye painted a vivid picture of Kenya’s youngest voters. Gen Z, he argued, is not just another youth wave waiting for direction.

They are a political force, a cultural disruptor, and a challenge to traditional leadership. Their unpredictable nature has become one of the defining elements of the country’s political landscape.

Dr. Ndonye explained that Gen Z has already proven their influence. From questioning President William Ruto’s  African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024)  funding to organizing mass protests in 2024 and 2025, they have shown that they do not wait for permission.

They demand accountability. They have taken on the role of watchdogs who are unafraid to confront those in power, even when the odds seem against them.

What sets them apart, according to the analyst, is that they cannot be boxed into old patterns of politics. “They have no loyalty. They are not faithful. They are fluid. They can change,” Dr. Ndonye noted.

Read More

  1. Why ODM’s Young Turks Must Chart a New Course
  2. Kenya Still Builds Elections on Tribal Structures that Never Died
  3. Democracy on Trial: What Gachagua’s Allegations Reveal

This flexibility is both their strength and their mystery. For political leaders, it means that today’s support does not guarantee tomorrow’s backing.

A Screengrab Of Political Analyst, Dr. Michael Ndonye (Left) and Jasmine Mumba (Right, Host) During The Interview (Photo | Courtesy: Talkchat Podcast)

The problem, he emphasized, lies with legacy politicians like President Ruto who still use the old tactics of political mobilization. Rallies, patronage, and rhetoric that once swayed large blocs of voters do not hold the same power with Gen Z.

This generation is digitally connected, socially conscious, and unafraid of shaking systems. Old strategies will not work on them.

For any aspiring leader who wants to capture the attention of this group, Dr. Ndonye offered a clear observation. It is time to conduct deeper research and understand the behavioral patterns of Gen Z.

Without this understanding, politicians risk alienating a generation that already holds immense sway. “Even when they win presidency, winning presidency does not mean you have won them,” he said. “They will cause a lot of headache.”

The message was clear. Gen Z is unpredictable. They cannot be commanded into loyalty or bought into silence. They demand change and actions immediately, they push for accountability, and they are ready to disrupt politics as usual.