Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has taken aim at Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli over his recent remarks on the role of young people in the country.
Speaking in Kitui, Sifuna challenged Atwoli’s position, arguing that young Kenyans should not be confined to serving in the police, military or as security guards while older generations retain political leadership.
Sifuna said some of the older generation were refusing to give young people space to take charge of the country.
“Sisi tunajua hao wazee. Akishakaa chini ya mti, umeletee maziwa kama paka mzee, kuna shida kweli?” Sifuna said.
The Nairobi Senator said it was now time for young people to actively seek political leadership, urging them to register as voters and participate in the country’s political affairs.
“Hawa wazee wanatwambia ati sisi hatuezi tafuta uongozi… ati kazi yetu ni kuingia kwa polisi, kuingia kwa jeshi na kuwa watchmen, saa zile tunapigwa na baridi wao wako home wananyonya AC polepole, wakipiga mvinyo polepole.”
Sifuna questioned why young people should be told that they are leaders of tomorrow when older leaders continue to define what that future should look like.
“Natataka niwaambie hao wazee sasa watatii, wanatuambia sisi ni viongozi wa kesho na hata hiyo kesho ni wao wanataka kutuandikia vile tutaishi hiyo 2060.”
He called on young Kenyans to seize the opportunity to shape the country’s political future.
“Nataka niambie vijana wote wa Kenya wakati umefika wa kuchukua uongozi wa taifa hili.”
Sifuna, however, said the generational debate should not be interpreted as a rejection of older people, arguing that young leaders can work with elders who respect their ambitions.
“Sisi kama vijana tutatembea na wazee ambao wanatuheshimu.”
His remarks come after Atwoli called on young people to play their role in protecting the country, remarks that have triggered debate over the responsibilities of Kenya’s youth and their place in national leadership.
Sifuna’s response has now broadened that debate into a question of political succession.
With the 2027 General Election approaching, the senator is urging young Kenyans to move from being spectators in politics to becoming active participants beginning with voter registration and eventually seeking elective positions.
The exchange between Sifuna and Atwoli reflects a deeper generational contest within Kenyan politics, where younger leaders are increasingly demanding a greater share of political power from a generation that has dominated the country’s political and institutional space for decades.
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