Kenya election: Edwin Sifuna channels Gen-Z anger

Kenyan senator Edwin Sifuna is drawing large crowds as he criticises President William Ruto ahead of Kenya's August 2027 election, positioning himself as a voice for young voters angry over corruption and political violence while stopping short of formally declaring a presidential run.

The 44-year-old former lawyer gained support among some Gen-Z voters when he sought to stop police violence during the major protests in June 2024. He toured Nairobi on Sunday and has focused his message on accusing Ruto of overseeing a culture of impunity.

In an AFP interview at his Nairobi office, Sifuna said Ruto did not believe in the rule of law, democracy or freedom. Sifuna said people were attending his meetings despite threats and intimidation.

Rallies linked to Sifuna have been violently disrupted by gangs of young men, a tactic described as common across Kenya's political spectrum. Sifuna said attacks on motorcades and the killing and maiming of people showed how low Kenyan politics had sunk.

Political analyst Javas Bigambo told AFP that Sifuna had not yet emerged as a compelling presidential candidate, saying he was young, inexperienced and had not set out clear policies. Sifuna said he was working with experts on a manifesto and rejected criticism of his age.

Sifuna previously served as secretary-general of ODM, Kenya's longest-serving opposition party, and is serving a first term as senator. His supporters say small donations from citizens are helping his effort, while opponents say former president Uhuru Kenyatta is the real source of money. Sifuna denies being anyone's puppet.

Kenya's median age is 20. Sifuna said the 2024 protests had changed Kenyan politics by mobilising young people around economic and political issues rather than ethnic divides and old money.