Eko Dydda explains why he did not join the Gen Z-led street protest
By Valerian Khakayi, January 17, 2026Popular Kenyan rapper Eko Dydda has explained why he chose not to participate in the anti-government Gen Z-led street protest in 2024.
Speaking during an interview with the Iko Nini podcast in an episode aired on Friday, January 16, 2026, Dydda said he stayed away from the streets because he believes protests alone cannot solve the country’s problems.
According to him, protesters waste a lot of energy while participating in the demonstrations.
“2024 protest, to be honest, sikuwa kwa street, the reason being is because I know the truth. The truth is, streets will never solve stuff; utatumia a lot of energy,” Dydda explained.
Bad leadership
He argued that much energy is spent on demonstrations, but lasting change comes from preventative measures, such as voting for the right leaders from the start.
The rapper also pointed out that while many people joined the protests, few have taken action at the ballot box.
Dydda emphasised that failing to vote is effectively supporting the wrong leadership, making citizens part of the problem.
“Prevention is better than cure; we can vote for the right leaders from the start. Let us start with that,” he added.
“Watu wengi walienda kwa streets, but wakiambiwa wachukuwe kura. How many have taken votes right now? We are part of the problem, you not voting is also voting for the wrong leader.”
Political ambitions
This follows the rapper’s renewed declaration of interest in contesting for a political seat.
Speaking during a live interview with Oga Obinna on Monday, January 12, 2026, Dydda disclosed that he would be vying for a parliamentary seat in Ruaraka, Nairobi County, in the 2027 elections.
He went on to say that the constituency needs the right leadership, adding that he believes he will transform Ruaraka once elected.
“In 2027, I will be vying for the Ruaraka MP seat. I am the change that Ruaraka needs, and I will do better,” Eko Dydda said.
“I vied before, and the reason I am vying again is that we need change, and those changes are not going to be made if we do not have the right leadership.”
Youths in politics
The rapper further encouraged more young people to join politics and to also contest for political seats in the coming general elections.
“Na encourages more young people to vie for the political seats,”he added.