Kenya is experiencing a remarkable shift in leadership dynamics, with an increasing emphasis on youth engagement and empowerment. The country, known for its vibrant and diverse population, is home to a significant number of young people who are stepping up to shape its future.
As the 2027 General elections loom closer, older Leaders in the country face mounting headwinds. Young Kenyans remain ready to mobilise against veteran Politicians they view as failing to address various socio-economic challenges, including high unemployment and governance short-comings.
Billy Munyiri Mwangi, the 25-year-old university student who was last year abducted by four hooded men in Embu and held captive for 16 days, is now the latest entrant, eyeing the Embu Senatorial seat.
Speaking exclusively to JULISHA.CO.KE, Billy shared the reason behind his inspiration, as he outlined his manifesto, empasizing the need for young Kenyans to take up leadership roles.
"My name is Billy, a 25-year-old young man. Most people know me online, especially on Twitter (X), by the handle Psycho Sins, where I’ve been passionately engaging in political conversations and advocating for good leadership for the past 6–7 years. On 21st December 2024, I was abducted due to my activism on X — a result of my persistent push for good governance, online civic education, and boldly correcting government failures that harm the common mwananchi." said Billy, providing a background introduction on himself.
"By the grace of God, I was eventually released and returned home safely. I want to sincerely thank my parents, the people of Embu County for their peaceful demonstrations, Hon. Gitonga Mukunji, my area Member of Parliament, for his efforts in pushing for my release, and all my fellow Kenyans especially the brave Kenyans who peacefully protested, suffered, got arrested, and cried out for justice. My ambition to vie for the Senatorial seat in Embu County in 2027 is not rooted in sympathy or personal gain. It stems from a deeper ambition: to ignite a movement that restores integrity, responsiveness, and development-focused leadership. I want to prove that young people are not only capable of leading but leading with excellence." he added.
According to Billy, Growing up in Embu exposed him first-hand to the real struggles of ordinary citizens, who have over the years lacked proper representation. The Young Kenyan attributes the counties woes to poor accountability and absence of visionary leadership that has left the citizenry in despair.
However, he believes young leaders like himself, bring fresh ideas, energy, boldness, and a uncompromised spirit, willing to drive change.
" I am running for this seat because I believe Embu deserves better. The current leadership has failed us. There is stagnation in development, rampant corruption/incompetency and a growing disconnect between leaders and the people. I want to be the leader who restores hope and paves the way for a better tomorrow." Billy said.
To some, Billy's drive might seem like a side-show, but the young kenyan is not taking any chances, he has his eyes set on the goal, to transform the life of the citizenry and yes, he has a campaign strategy built from the grassroots.
" Listening tours to connect directly with wananchi, Policy-based dialogues grounded in real community needs, Civic education targeting both young and older citizens, Digital engagement to reach every corner of Embu and mobilize support" he told JULISHA when tasked to explain how he plans to achieve his dream.
"By building strong community networks and using technology wisely, I aim to ensure every voice is heard and represented." he affirmed.
Once elected, Billy Mwangi promises to advocate for better resource allocation, champion improvements in healthcare and education, empower local entrepreneurs, and to hold both county and national institutions accountable.
" My vision includes: Accountable leadership that prioritizes service over personal gain, Youth empowerment through education, innovation, and economic opportunities, Transparency in how county resources are allocated and spent, Legislative advocacy that reflects the real needs of Embu residents, Becoming a model of integrity proving that young Kenyans can lead successfully." he noted.
" More than anything, I want to set a precedent that age is not a limitation, and that true leadership is defined by action, not empty promises." Billy said, urging Embu residents to support his senatorial bid.
Africa has the youngest population in the world. Yet the continent continues to grapple with the exclusion of its young people from development processes, with the majority finding it difficult to get involved.
In Kenya, for instance, youth under the age of 35 comprise over 75% of the country’s population, yet make up just 6.5% of the current Parliament.
The Citizenry ought to support and nurture a cadre of principled young politicians, who will bring values-based leadership, moral courage, and imagination to their pursuit of making democracy work in Kenya.
In a rapidly changing world, the need for youth leadership has never been more urgent than now. The youth hold immense potential, and their involvement in shaping the future of Africa cannot be overlooked. With a fresh perspective, innovative thinking, and a hunger for transformative change, young leaders are challenging old narratives and paving the way for progress.
