Political activist Morara Kebaso has challenged Kenya’s youth-led movements to transform public enthusiasm into structured political power, warning that fleeting “waves” of activism often fail to produce tangible change.
Speaking in a recent interview, Kebaso reflected on past movements such as the Tawe Movement led by George Natembeya and the GenZ initiative, which he described as full of promise but ultimately unable to solidify into formal political parties.
“I really admired the Tawe Movement. If it had become a political party, it could have produced MPs to challenge oppressive policies and impeach leaders who perpetuate poverty,” he said.
Kebaso, who played an active role in the GenZ movement, recounted his personal commitment, noting he devoted himself entirely to the cause.
“I used to sleep and see Kenya changing. I gave it my all. I was ready to die. My own family wondered if I loved Kenya more than them,” he said. Despite the energy and passion, he lamented that the movement failed to capture political power or install leaders of integrity into key positions.
The activist emphasized the cyclical nature of political waves in Kenya, likening them to fleeting impulses: “Our waves are quick.
They come and die quickly because they are not grounded on shared values. We have not agreed as a nation to reject corruption, even within our own communities.”
Kebaso called on emerging movements to prioritize the formation of political parties capable of controlling Parliament and the executive, enabling policy reforms and justice restoration.
He stressed that funding and citizen readiness to move beyond tribal loyalty remain key hurdles. “It begins with funding. Who is funding us and why? Are our people ready to break loyalty with tribalism?” he asked.
For Kebaso, Kenya’s future reform depends on channeling activism into structured political platforms that endure beyond the excitement of public waves.