A fresh wave of youth frustration is playing out online, reflecting broader tensions between Kenya’s political class and younger generations seeking inclusion and opportunity.
The latest outburst highlights lingering concerns about access, representation, and perceived neglect by leaders once in power.
Former University of Nairobi (UoN) student leader Peter Maya has publicly criticised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of failing to support him during his campus political ambitions years ago.
“The first time I met Rigathi Gachagua was around 2017 when he was the MP for Mathira, kitu kama hiyo,” Maya wrote.
“At the time, I was vying in campus elections and approached him to seek some support and resources for my university campaign.”
According to Maya, his attempt to engage the then legislator was unsuccessful.
“Unfortunately, he neither gave me an audience nor took time to listen to my request,” he said. “From that experience, I formed the opinion that he was not interested in supporting youths — ni mkabila sana.”
Maya also referenced a separate incident in 2016 involving security officers linked to former President Uhuru Kenyatta, claiming he was physically mishandled.
“I have tried to gamble in this life to make it successful since the bodyguards wa Uhuru Kenyatta wanifinye mbavu zangu in 2016, lakini wapi,” he stated.
In his remarks, the former student leader welcomed Gachagua’s impeachment in late 2024, praising those involved in the process.
“We thank Mutuse for a job well done,” he wrote, before launching further criticism against the former deputy president’s leadership credentials.
“Gachagua can’t be the PRESIDENT or even Mzee wa Nyumba Kumi,” Maya added. “He doesn’t believe in YOUTHS or people who are not from his PLACE.”
The comments have triggered mixed reactions online, with some users echoing Maya’s frustrations as reflective of a wider generational disconnect in Kenyan politics, while others dismissed the remarks as personal grievances lacking broader context.