Morara Kebaso: Gen Z and social media sealed Raila’s AUC defeat

Raila Odinga’s unsuccessful bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship on February 15, 2025, was heavily influenced by Kenya’s domestic political climate, amplified by Gen Z activism and the power of social media, according to Morara Kebaso.

Speaking on K24 TV Wednesday night February 26, 2025, Morara said that Raila’s loss was not just a reflection of continental politics but also a result of how Kenyans perceived him at home – a perception that spread rapidly across Africa through online platforms.

“You must understand that social media and the internet travel far beyond our borders. You remember during the Gen Z uprising here, it even reached Nigeria. So, the lack of widespread support for Raila Odinga in Kenya also contributed to his failure to secure the AUC chair. Other Africans observed and thought, ‘If your own people, the Kenyans, have not fully backed you, who are we to hand you this seat?’” Morara said.

Morara, whose Gen Z Inject party has been at the forefront of youth-driven political discourse, pointed out that the generational shift in African leadership is becoming more pronounced.

He cited Botswana’s President Duma Boko and Senegal’s Bassirou Diomaye Faye as examples of young, reform-oriented leaders resonating with a demographic hungry for accountability and change.

“There is an emerging wave of transformative leadership on the continent. Many of these young leaders have faced human rights challenges similar to what Kenyans have been raising. That’s why you saw Raila being questioned about enforced disappearances by a South African journalist during his campaign,” Morara noted.

Throughout Raila’s campaign, social media platforms buzzed with debates about his legacy, his alliance with Kenya’s political establishment, and concerns over governance and human rights.

The Gen Z demographic, known for its digital savviness and outspoken nature, played a key role in shaping these narratives.

“So, in terms of Kenyan politics and how it unfolded on social media and in the international media, it contributed to other African countries perceiving that Raila did not have strong support from Kenyans,” Morara said.

80-year-old Raila has long been a towering figure in Kenyan politics, but his AUC campaign exposed a disconnect with younger opinion shapers more so on social media.

While his supporters championed his vision for pan-African unity, critics questioned whether he represented the progressive leadership Africa seeks.

Despite the setback, Raila has vowed to continue advocating for the continent.

The African Union embarks on its next chapter under newly elected leadership, while Raila’s unsuccessful bid underscores a crucial reality: in today’s digital age, local politics and global ambitions in Africa are more interconnected than ever.