Njeri Maina defends Gachagua’s youth credentials, recalls Gen Z protest support

Speaking during a youth engagement forum organised by the Democratic Congress Party (DCP) at Gachagua’s Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri, Maina recalled her role in representing young people arrested during the protests.

“During the Gen Z protests, I was in the frontline defending those arrested during the protests. I could enter the court at 7 a.m. and leave court late in the evening,” she said.

Maina said her experience during the protests gave her an opportunity to work closely with young Kenyans who were demanding greater accountability and a stronger voice in national affairs.

She also claimed that Gachagua contributed Ksh.10 million towards securing bail for some of those arrested during the demonstrations.

“Our party leader is committed to the leadership of young people in Kenya. Our party leader, Rigathi Gachagua, contributed KSh10 million towards securing bail for those arrested during the demonstrations," she said.

"He has also assured us that our party will conduct free, fair and transparent nominations, giving every aspiring leader an equal opportunity to compete. ”

Maina linked the issue of support for young protesters to the wider question of youth participation in politics, urging young Kenyans to move beyond civic activism and seek elective positions where they can influence policy and governance.

She said young people should use the political space available to compete for leadership positions rather than leaving the field to established politicians.

Her remarks come as political parties intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election, with young people expected to remain an important voting bloc and a growing pool of political aspirants.

Maina also encouraged young people seeking elective positions to build relationships at the grassroots, including with small-scale traders and boda boda riders, and to actively campaign for themselves.

Drawing from her own political experience, she said she was elected Kirinyaga Woman Representative at the age of 27 despite being told she would not succeed.

She further urged young people to recognise and support one another, saying their different skills and abilities could contribute to the country’s future leadership.

The DCP youth engagement therefore centred on increasing opportunities for young people in elective politics and encouraging them to take up those opportunities as parties prepare for the 2027 polls.