The political class has been blamed for the growing anger among young people and the widespread mistrust of the government by Kenyans.

These sentiments were echoed by several politicians during the burial of Elvis Namenya, the son of Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi, who was laid to rest on Saturday in Kajiado County.

Namenya, 27, died following a tragic road accident in Nairobi. He had been admitted in critical condition but later succumbed to his injuries.

Several politicians who spoke at the funeral acknowledged the deepening crisis in the country, emphasising the need for urgent intervention. They stressed that the concerns of young people must not be ignored.

Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja were among those who admitted that it was no longer possible to overlook the frustrations of young people and Kenyans at large.

“We need to do some soul-searching. We have very angry youths. I don’t know what is happening, but this is the right time to address it,” said Odhiambo.

She expressed concern that some people no longer show empathy when others lose loved ones, instead choosing to mock such tragedies.

“We need to talk—whether you are Gen Z or from any other generation. We must heal this nation before we tear it apart, because it belongs to all of us,” she added.

The MP also called on the Speaker of the National Assembly to prioritise discussions on the root causes of anger in the country, particularly among young people.

“The Problem Is the Political Class”

Governor Sakaja admitted that politicians were to blame for the current state of affairs and urged them to engage with young people rather than dismiss their concerns.

“The problem is not our young people. The problem is us—the political class. We are the ones who need to humble ourselves, go to their level, and listen,” he said.

He warned against arrogance and threats when addressing young people’s grievances.

“Let us not respond to our children with arrogance, undermine them, or threaten them. This is the time for self-introspection. We must reflect on where we went wrong,” he added.

The event was also marked by calls for political unity, with leaders commending the cooperation between President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga.

Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi stated that if the kind of unity displayed at the funeral could be extended across the country, Kenya would achieve significant progress.

“What this country needs is unity of purpose. We must congratulate President Ruto and Raila Odinga for showing us the way—because the way forward is unity,” he said.

Meanwhile, Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome used the platform to highlight the government’s Affordable Housing projects in Kajiado County.

“Since none of the speakers has mentioned what the government is doing, I will. The broad-based initiative is a major project, and we must ensure its success,” she said.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula urged leaders to embrace political tolerance and unity, warning against divisive rhetoric and emphasising the need to serve with dignity.