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• Fri Apr 18 2025

Youthful members of the Wiper Democratic Movement plan to storm the SKM Command Centre on May 1 over frustrations with the party

Youth leader Edwin Musembi says the current team has sidelined young people and hindered Kalonzo Musyoka?s national visibility

The group demands inclusion in key decision-making roles and vowed to proceed with protests if dialogue efforts fail

TUKO.co.ke journalist Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya

A group of Gen Z and Millennial members of the Wiper Democratic Movement have announced plans to storm the Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka (SKM) Command Centre on May 1.

Wiper youth have decried unconventional practices by the party leadership. Photos: Kabir Dhanji/Getty Images, Kalonzo Musyoka.

Source: UGC

The youthful group cited frustrations with the party?s public relations and media strategies.

Why are Wiper youth planning to storm SKM Command Centre?

The said protest is being spearheaded by Edwin Musembi, the national youth leader of the Wiper Democratic Movement.

In an exclusive interview with TUKO.co.ke, Musembi accused the party?s PR team of employing outdated communication tactics and engaging in gatekeeping that has stifled party leader Kalonzo Musyoka?s national visibility.

?It?s a revolution within the party. The frustrations have been building for over six months,? Musembi said.

According to Musembi, every time young members raise issues, they are summoned to meetings where promises are made but never fulfilled. He claims that the cycle of empty assurances has pushed the youth to the edge.

?The same issues keep recurring. The party still relies on outdated methods to pick where Kalonzo should tour and campaign. We are dealing with a new generation and must adopt new strategies. Funerals alone are not enough,? he said.

Musembi questioned why the party has failed to leverage mainstream media, YouTube channels, and podcasts to amplify Kalonzo?s message, citing how digital platforms contributed to Donald Trump?s 2024 presidential comeback in the United States.

He further pointed out glaring mismanagement of the party's social media accounts and poster designs?areas where he believes Gen Z can make a significant impact.

?The Secretariat has no youth. The presidential taskforce has no youth. Yet we keep talking about the youth. We are being sidelined in every major party affair," Musembi told TUKO.co.ke.

Are Wiper youths open to dialogue?

Musembi disclosed that the party leadership has already reached out in a bid to calm the situation and explore dialogue to avert the protest.

?It?s something they usually do when they sense danger. We?re open to dialogue. If we can resolve this without a protest, that would be better," he said.

Despite the tensions, Musembi reaffirmed his support for Kalonzo Musyoka, saying the former vice president remains one of the most promising leaders in Kenya?s political landscape.

?Kalonzo has participated in implementing major development projects. He can do even better with the right team behind him," he said, clarifying that the youth action is not a rebellion but a reclamation.

?If dialogue fails, we will storm the command centre. We want Kalonzo to become president, but we also want a modern and inclusive party.?

Musembi concluded by urging other political parties to take youth inclusion seriously,

?This is a wake-up call. Youths should be included in all political spaces. We?re not waiting anymore. We?re qualified and ready to lead," he told TUKO.co.ke.

Wiper Party national youth leader Edwin Musembi. Photo: Edwin Musembi.

Source: UGC

Wiper youth give Kalonzo 15 days to replace secretary General

In a previous story covered by TUKO.co.ke, internal discontent was brewing within the Wiper Party as it struggled to match the grassroots momentum of rival outfits like Orange Democratic Movement and United Democratic Alliance.

The party?s youth wing issued a 15-day ultimatum to Kalonzo, demanding the replacement of Secretary General Shakila Abdullah over claims she lacks the visibility and charisma needed to drive the party forward.

Speaking on behalf of Wiper?s Gen Z bloc, youth leader Felix Mambo called for a more dynamic and strategic figure to boost the party?s competitiveness ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Source: TUKO.co.ke