Eric Omondi warns politicians against hijacking ‘Niko Kadi’ slogan
By Valerian Khakayi, March 22, 2026Kenyan stand-up comedian and human rights activist Eric Omondi has issued a strong warning to the country’s political class, urging them to keep their distance from the growing youth-driven “Niko Kadi” movement.
In a video shared on his official Instagram account on Saturday evening, March 21, 2026, hours after a group of politicians adopted the slogan, Omondi made it clear that young people and Gen Z are no longer willing to remain silent or be co-opted into political agendas.
Omondi emphasised that for a long time, young Kenyans have watched from the sidelines as politicians engaged in their own affairs, but that silence should not be mistaken for weakness.
“Hello guys, Eric Omondi hapa, to the Kenyan political class, musitujaribu, we have been very silent mukifanya mambo yenu, we have been extremely quiet mukipiga siasa zenu, musitujaribu,” Omondi said.
“Tuko Kadi is a movement by young people and Gen Z, kuhamasisha vijana na Gen Z wachukuwe kura, musitujaribu, do not take our silence for weakness.”
Warning to politicians
He cautioned politicians against attempting to hijack or dilute the message, stressing that any effort to manipulate the movement for political gain would be firmly resisted.
Additionally, Omondi also warned leaders across the political divide, whether in the wantam or tutam side, that the youth are not aligned with them and are determined to chart their own path.
“Whether you are one term or two term, we are not part of you, and if you think you can hijack ama kuchafua tuko kadi, think again. Our wishes, Sisi ni nyinyi wote mumalize muende,” he warned.
In addition, Omondi further added that if politicians insist on interfering with youth-led initiatives, then young people would not hesitate to challenge political systems and decisions that affect them.
“If you want us to meddle in your affairs, meddle in our affairs,” he added.
“Musitujaribuu, Musituskume. TUKO KADI is a Movement by the Young People and Gen Zs, we are not affiliated with any Politician or Political Party.”
He underscored a growing sense of urgency among Gen Z, saying the movement is a united voice demanding accountability and change.
Tuko kadi slogan
Eric’s warning comes after a section of politicians, including President William Ruto and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, adopted the slogan at a political rally on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
Ruto hopped into the Niko Kadi campaign, announcing that his administration is fully prepared for the 2027 elections during his four-day development tour in the Nyanza region.
“Na mimi nataka kuwaambia tuko tayari na tuko kadi kama manataka hiyo tuko kadi tayari. We are ready for you when the time comes,” Ruto stated.
On the other hand, Gachagua took to his X account and shared the youth-driven initiative hours after warning Ruto against using the slogan during a public address in Githunguri, Kiambu County.
“Nimeona Kasongo akijaribu kuhijack hiyo slogan ya Gen Z, Niko Kadi. Kasongo, wacha nikuambie, wewe uko na kadi lakini yako ni red card. Red card, ya kwenda nyumbani. Tumekupatia red card. Na red card utaenda nyumbani. Ata ukifanya nini, ata ukilete nyota, ata ulete mwezi, ama ulete jua, utakuwa one term,” Gachagua said.