With just over two years before the next General Election, Kenya’s political barometer is indicating rising temperatures as the countdown begins in earnest.

The political landscape has shifted dramatically since the last election, although the main players in the 2022 vote are still very much on the scene, all eyeing the big prize.

However, there is one entrant representing a large voting bloc greatly contributing to this tectonic shift in Kenya’s “politicosphere” – Gen Z – after their historic mass protests nearly a year ago that shook the nation.

Although they indirectly influenced the 2022 ballot, either through apathy or through ideological manipulation by cunning political players, this time round they will be a force to reckon with in determining the winner of the presidential election.

Gen Z has revolutionised national political dynamics and taken public anger at authoritarianism and violation of human rights to a critical level. They have exposed the vast credibility gap between the ruling elite and the populace.

In rising up strongly against repression, intolerance and other injustices, Gen Z have learned their conviction from the doyen of opposition politics and master of mass protests – ODM party leader Raila Odinga.

Ironically, when most expected this natural affinity opposing totalitarianism to progressively gel between “Baba” and his radicalised offspring, the opposite happened, to national consternation.

As President William Ruto’s government tottered on the brink of collapse from pent-up public backlash against unpopular political and economic policies, Raila performed a volte-face, astounding Gen Z and the disgruntled majority of citizens.

By literally rescuing Ruto from being politically devoured by the Gen Z-led public protests, Raila co-opted key ODM allies into the Cabinet and State positions to form an amorphous “broad-based government”.

While he may have alienated Gen Z and disappointed his diehard opposition base, Raila, in doing what no other politician has done in Kenya’s history, prevented the nation from potentially plunging into anarchy and political instability.

The jury is still out on the eventual outcome of his “salvage mission” and how it was uncharacteristically engineered, but one thing is certain: Raila is a master strategist who holds the key to the 2027 presidential election victory, for the incumbent and the opposition.

Not only has he managed to power his way into government with a major stake, he also still has control within the opposition.

Ruto faces critical national challenges his administration needs to address urgently to convince a sceptic electorate, and needs Raila to steady his Kenya Kwanza ship to help his slim chances in 2027.

Raila has little to lose as he enjoys his opposition-within-government and government-within-opposition status with the aplomb of a political juggler and may yet jump ship at the last minute.

The opposition, too, needs Raila as it has not gained traction since he joined the mongrel government, leaving behind deep footprints. No one has emerged to fill his big shoes.

Pundits opine that it would be wise for the crowded opposition ranks and Gen Z not to hurriedly write off the grand “Baba” of Kenyan politics.

Ever heard of the Prodigal Son, the Trojan Horse, or “Kibaki Tosha”?

The writer comments on political affairs; [email protected]