Former Kenyan Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has pledged to empower the youth to participate in national development rather than being passive beneficiaries.
Through his X post on Wednesday 5th November 2025, while also highlighting his attendance at a National Youth League Caucus at DCP headquarters, Gachagua clearly emphasised his Party’s plans to liberate Kenya’s youth amid criticisms of current leadership.
“The focus is on empowering youth as active participants in national development rather than passive beneficiaries,” he said.
According to Gachagua, the decision to rally youth ahead of the November 2025 by-elections and 2027 polls will counter perceptions of regional tribalism by emphasising national liberation.
“There can be nothing for the young people without them; our commitment as the DCP PARTY is a pragmatic youth agenda and a clear resolve to their education, safety, and a bright future that is restorative.” He added
His pledge comes after he recently launched outreach programs targeting youth, including initiatives aimed at advancing education reforms and providing mentorship, where his efforts are seen as both a sincere engagement and a political strategy.
Gachagua’s strategy definitely strengthens his post-impeachment pivot in 2025, which includes the recent launch of the DCP to position himself as a viable opposition leader after his fallout with President William Ruto.
With the current political heat escalating in the country, his focus on youth could be a clever response to their significant role in the 2024 Gen Z protests.
Calculated move
Gachagua’s pledge also revealed his Party’s willingness to support a proposal that will exempt youth within the DCP from nomination fees for elective seats in the 2027 General Elections.
As part of his wider mission to empower and liberate Kenya from poor governance, Gachagua’s stance could be seen as suggesting a strategic move to avail opportunities for Kenya’s youth to lead, countering criticisms of tribalism by appealing to a national audience.
