Support for President William Ruto among some young people still exists, even as many continue to express anger over the high cost of living and lack of jobs. In a recent discussion on Political Ringside, OMO Wiseman, a youth leader from Kibra, explained why he remains firm in backing the president ahead of the 2027 elections, offering a view that contrasts with the dominant mood seen during recent protests.
Wiseman spoke as someone deeply involved in grassroots mobilization. In Kibra, his daily work revolves around engaging young people, encouraging them to register as voters, and helping them understand how political systems operate.
He believes that many frustrations among the youth are real, but also argues that a lack of civic understanding has contributed to confusion about where responsibility lies when things go wrong.
He maintains that not every young Kenyan sees the current leadership in a negative light. While protests like those against the Finance Bill showed widespread dissatisfaction, he views them as part of a democratic process that also pushed leaders toward dialogue and cooperation.
In his view, the outcome of those tensions helped shape a broader political working relationship, which he believes is necessary for stability.
One of the key reasons Wiseman supports Ruto is what he describes as visible development efforts. He pointed to subsidized fertilizer, which he says has helped lower the cost of basic food items such as maize. He also mentioned infrastructure improvements in different parts of the country, noting that better roads are slowly improving movement and trade.
To him, these are practical steps that directly affect ordinary citizens.
The affordable housing program is another area he believes deserves attention. Wiseman argued that the pricing under the program gives many young people a realistic chance of owning homes, something that has been out of reach for years.
He sees this as a long-term investment in stability for young workers who are trying to build their lives.
He did not ignore the challenges facing the country. Unemployment remains a major concern, especially among the youth. Wiseman noted that some companies have shifted operations to countries with lower electricity costs, such as Ethiopia.
He suggested that reducing the cost of power could help attract investors back and create more job opportunities locally.
He also raised concern about how accountability is often handled. According to him, many young people focus their anger on the president alone, yet Members of Parliament play a key role in passing laws that affect citizens. He found it contradictory that some individuals protested against the Finance Bill but continue to support leaders who voted in its favor.
This, he said, shows why civic education remains important.
Wiseman also defended the idea behind the bottom-up economic model, saying it has helped bring attention to programs meant to support small businesses.
He believes that when such initiatives are properly communicated, they can help young people start businesses and reduce reliance on formal employment, which remains limited.
His position has not come without criticism. Online, he has faced pressure and backlash from peers who feel that supporting the current administration goes against the struggles many are facing.
Despite this, he insists that political choices should not be driven by trends or slogans. Instead, he encourages young people to assess leaders based on what has been delivered and what can realistically be improved.
Political Ringside remains an important space where different voices can be heard and challenged.
By bringing together leaders, analysts, and grassroots representatives like OMO Wiseman, the show helps break down complex political issues into discussions that ordinary citizens can follow and reflect on.
