Youth Activist Morara Kebaso Withdraws from 2027 Political Race
Youth activist and INJECT Party leader Morara Kebaso has announced that he will not contest in Kenya’s 2027 General Election, signaling a retreat from active politics while leaving the door open to vote for candidates he deems worthy. The declaration, made via his X account on August 15, 2025, marks a notable reversal from his January pledge to challenge President William Ruto for the presidency. Kebaso stated, I will not contest for political office in 2027. But I will vote if there is someone worth voting for, reflecting a shift in his political ambitions.
Kebaso emerged as a leading Gen Z voice in Kenyan politics after officially registering the Inclusion of National Justice Economic and Civic Transformation (INJECT) Party in September 2024. He championed solutions-driven politics and actively encouraged youth participation, emphasizing governance principles and civic engagement. However, his political journey was complicated by controversies, including accusations of bribery, contentious alliances, and backlash over a photo with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. These pressures, coupled with financial and personal challenges, prompted him to step back. Notably, Kebaso returned a house in Kahawa Sukari, Nairobi, gifted to him in September 2024 by a Canadian-based couple, citing the demands of politics as a key factor in relinquishing the property.
Even as he exits the political arena, Kebaso intends to remain influential in public discourse. Earlier this year, he publicly discussed voter responsibility and civic engagement, signaling that he will continue shaping debates from outside formal politics. In June 2025, he declared, I finally escaped politics. I can now live my life, make my business, travel, see my friends, visit a bar, and not worry about pictures. I’m free. Observers say his withdrawal underscores the challenges young leaders face in sustaining momentum within Kenya’s high-pressure political landscape, where public trust and resources are constantly tested.
Morara Kebaso’s decision is a reminder of the fragile nature of youth-led movements and the personal sacrifices involved in national politics. While he steps back from seeking office, his voice as a civic advocate is likely to continue resonating, particularly among Gen Z voters navigating the 2027 election landscape.