Mudavadi urges Kenyans to distinguish popular leaders from populists

Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi has urged Kenyans to distinguish between genuinely popular leaders and politicians who rely on populist rhetoric to win public approval.

Speaking to more than 6,000 young people attending the PAG Church National Conference in Nyang’ori, Vihiga County, Mudavadi said some politicians deliberately tell audiences what they want to hear to earn applause, while failing to offer practical solutions to the country’s challenges.

“There are leaders who will come to a forum like this and speak what pleases your ears so that you can clap and ululate, but outside they are hoodwinking the people and cannot tolerate them beyond the podium,” Mudavadi said.

The Prime Cabinet Secretary said he and President William Ruto were pursuing what he described as mature politics by addressing national issues honestly rather than seeking popularity through political rhetoric.

Mudavadi also cautioned young voters against electing leaders driven by anger, bitterness, vengeance and political hatred.

“You will listen to them; they are angry, they are bitter, speak with vengeance and sound vindictive. They will not implement anything; they are only keen on spreading hate,” he said.

“Be careful so that we don't elect such leaders. We should not surrender to such leaders,” he added.

Politics requires preparation

Mudavadi told the youth that political leadership, like education and other professions, requires preparation, experience and the development of networks.

He compared the political journey to the education system, where learners progress from nursery school to primary, secondary and tertiary education rather than skipping stages.

“A child does not wake up one day and skip the classes. So is it in politics. You wake up one day and pretend that you want to be a national leader without building networks and investing in politics,” he said.

Mudavadi said leadership was not like instant coffee, where a person simply adds hot water and is ready to consume it.

“When you want to become a champion, you cannot do it like instant coffee. If you want to be a boxer, you strain. The message to young people is that there is a process to becoming a champion,” he said.

He urged young people to work hard while also seeking guidance from experienced leaders.

“We must come to terms with the fact that we must work hard. We don't want young people to work alone; they should take the counsel of those ahead of them,” he said.

Mudavadi backs Ruto for another term

Mudavadi also urged young people to register as voters and participate actively in the 2027 General Election, saying their decisions would determine the country's future.

He defended President Ruto's record, arguing that his administration had pursued development across the country and deserved more time to complete major projects.

Mudavadi pointed to infrastructure projects, particularly the Nairobi-Malaba corridor, as evidence of the government's investment in Western Kenya.

“We have only heard and seen dual carriageways in Thika and Mount Kenya. Today, a major one, the Nairobi-Malaba dual carriageway, is cutting through the Western region. We deserve it, and it will open our economy,” he said.

He said the government's development agenda should be judged by the impact of such projects on communities and the wider economy.

Youth and education

Mudavadi praised the large turnout of young people at the conference, saying Kenya's youthful population was an important national asset.

“There are countries which are ageing societies and do not renew fast. Having young people is God's way of ensuring that we shall have renewal,” he said.

He said the government was paying particular attention to education and had allocated about Sh780 billion to the sector.

“This is the first government that has invested such a huge sum of over 20 percent in education. The government is determined to ensure we have an educated youth population,” Mudavadi said.

HIV concerns

The Prime Cabinet Secretary, however, raised concern over HIV infections among young people, particularly in Western Kenya.

“Kenya has fought with the problem of HIV and AIDS. As we stand now, Kenya remains number seven globally. The majority are young; the new infections are among young people between 18 and 35 years,” he said.

He said data from health authorities showed that Western Kenya continued to face a significant HIV burden, while Mandera had among the lowest levels.

Mudavadi said Kenya was losing about 20,000 people annually to the scourge and urged young people to make responsible decisions that would protect their own future and that of the country.

Call for peaceful elections

Mudavadi also appealed to young people to protect peace ahead of the 2027 General Election.

He said the government was committed to a democratic electoral process and urged voters to make informed choices.

“Kenya shall have a free and fair election. We want him to win through the democratic process. That is what we stand for,” Mudavadi said.