Eric Omondi says Gen Z skipped by-elections because they had nothing to gain
By Steve Ireri, November 29, 2025Comedian and activist Eric Omondi has spoken out to defend Kenya’s Gen Z after claims circulated that young people did not participate in the Thursday, November 27, 2025, by-elections.
Speaking in an Instagram video on Saturday, November 29, 2025, Omondi emphasised that the narrative suggesting that Gen Z was responsible for leaders losing in the polls is inaccurate and misleading.
He explained that the by-elections were highly political contests between established political actors and principalities, and that Gen Z had no direct involvement nor interest in these contests.
“This by-election had nothing to do with Gen Z. They were not part of it, they did not want to be part of it, and they did not understand it. This by-election was a battle between political fools and principalities. Do not involve Gen Z in your battles,” he said.
He argued that the youth were never meant to participate in these elections and that their absence should not be seen as disengagement or disloyalty.
According to him, the leaders who blamed Gen Z were underestimating the youth’s power and influence, repeating a mistake they had made before.
“Gen Z’s Eric Omondi here. Dear, please do not buy the narrative, do not accept the storyline, and do not let fear control you. They are selling you doubts, but we’ve been here before. They have underestimated you before, but you shook them to the core. They have even called you names, but did you not surprise them? Don’t believe the narrative, they are trying to make you fearful, but do not buy it,” he said.
He said that some leaders have attempted to instil fear and doubt in Gen Z, portraying them as lazy, indisciplined, or voteless, but he rejected these characterisations as false and harmful.
He highlighted that Gen Z has previously defied expectations and surprised the nation when underestimated, signalling that the youth remain a powerful political force.
“They are saying you are ‘Cerelac,’ that you cannot line up to vote, that you are lazy and undisciplined. Isn’t that what they used to call TikTokers and content creators? Do not buy it,” he said.
Gen Z’s aim
Omondi also stressed that Gen Z’s focus is on building a new system, a better governance structure, and securing a future that protects their interests, rather than getting involved in political battles that do not directly impact them.
He urged leaders not to drag young people into conflicts or use them as scapegoats for their own failures, noting that Gen Z should be respected and served, not provoked.
“Now the story has changed to say that Gen Z did not vote or was uninterested, but it does not benefit them. So, dear Gen Z, they have called you voteless; even if you did not participate; there is no problem. Let them repeat that same mistake. They underestimated you before, and you surprised them. So do not get involved in by-elections. They were never supposed to be for you,” Eric said.
Omondi warned that despite their absence from the by-elections, Gen Z would play a decisive role in the 2027 general elections.
He made it clear that young people would determine the outcome of national politics and that leaders should never underestimate their influence again.
“I say for the third time: do not underestimate Gen Z, respect them, and do not provoke them. Serve them and deliver for them, but do not involve them in things they don’t know. Gen Z and by-elections don’t connect. They were extremely political by-elections. The interest of Gen Z is a new Kenya, a new system, and their future. They are not fighting or disrespecting anyone; they are fighting for their future. What these leaders don’t understand is that we will take votes, and we will be the ones to determine the 2027 election,” he added.