By-elections 2025: 7 lies Eric Omondi told Gen Zs

In the wake of the November 27, 2025, by-elections, comedian-turned-activist Eric Omondi released a passionate Instagram video defending Gen Z from claims that they failed to show up at the polls.

But while the video struck an emotional chord with many young Kenyans, several of Omondi’s assertions were misleading and in some cases contradicted facts about the elections and youth participation.

Also watch: Abuse of power shadows by-elections as Karua, Matiang’i sound alarm

Speaking on Saturday, November 29, 2025, Eric insisted repeatedly that Gen Z was being unfairly blamed for political outcomes. But an examination of his statements reveals that several of the narratives he presented to young voters were inaccurate.

Below is a breakdown of the key misleading claims he made.

• 1. “This by-election had nothing to do with Gen Z.”

Eric Omondi argued that Thursday’s by-elections were entirely political battles among “fools and principalities,” insisting Gen Z had no place in them.

“They were not part of it, they did not want to be part of it, and they did not understand it,” he said.

While turnout among youth was low, Gen Z voters are registered in those constituencies and legally constitute part of the electorate. Their participation or absence directly influences outcomes.

• 2. “They were never supposed to participate.”

He went further, claiming Gen Z’s absence was justified:

“Gen Z and by-elections don’t connect… They were never supposed to be for you.”

Also watch: Kenya Kwanza hails by-election gains ahead of 2027

This claim is misleading. By-elections are national democratic processes. No law or political agreement excludes Gen Z from them, and many did participate.

• 3. “Leaders are blaming Gen Z to hide their failures.”

Eric Omondi told the youth not to “buy the narrative” that they caused certain politicians to lose:

“They are selling you doubts… They have underestimated you before, but you shook them to the core.”

Yet no major party officially blamed Gen Z for election losses. Some leaders expressed concern about youth turnout, but Eric Omondi’s claim of a coordinated blame campaign is overstated.

• 4. “Gen Z is being made fearful and doubtful.”

He suggested that politicians were psychologically manipulating young voters:

“Do not accept the storyline… They are trying to make you fearful.”

There is no evidence of a systematic effort to instil fear. His statement risks encouraging distrust between youth and civic institutions.

Also watch: Ruto mocks opposition after sweeping by-election wins

• 5. “They are calling you lazy, undisciplined, voteless.”

Eric Omondi said politicians were labelling Gen Z as incapable of voting:

“They are saying you are ‘Cerelac,’ that you cannot line up to vote, that you are lazy and undisciplined.”

While individual commentators have mocked Gen Z online, mainstream political leaders have not used these terms in the context of the by-elections. His claim exaggerates the level of hostility directed at youth.

• 6. “Gen Z’s role is not voting, but building a new system.”

Eric Omondi told the youth that their priority is a broader transformation – not elections:

“The interest of Gen Z is a new Kenya, a new system, and their future.”

While civic activism is part of democratic engagement, suggesting that Gen Z should avoid elections risks discouraging participation in formal processes that shape governance.

• 7. “Gen Z will determine the 2027 election on their own.”

In one of his most sweeping claims, he said:

“We will take votes, and we will be the ones to determine the 2027 election.”

Gen Z will be a major voting bloc in 2027, but Kenya’s elections historically depend on coalitions across ages, regions, and communities. No single demographic determines national outcomes on its own.

Message meant to inspire, but not entirely accurate

Eric Omondi has positioned himself as a voice for young Kenyans, and his video reflects genuine frustrations about how youth are treated in political discourse. His defence of Gen Z was fiery, emotional, and aimed at boosting morale.

However, by presenting exaggerated narratives and dismissing the importance of election participation, Eric risks weakening the civic engagement he often champions.

As the country looks ahead to 2027, Gen Z will undoubtedly be influential – but that influence depends not on viral speeches, but on informed participation in the democratic process.