Nairobi, July 6, 2026 — Tension gripped the National Youth Council (NYC) headquarters at Absa Towers in Nairobi's Central Business District on Monday after a group of young people occupied the offices in protest against the indefinite postponement of the Council's elections.
The elections, which had been scheduled to begin on Sunday, July 5, were suspended without a new date, prompting frustration among youth leaders who accused the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports of delaying the long-awaited electoral process.
The protesting group issued the ministry with a two-week ultimatum to organize the elections across the country. They warned that failure to meet the deadline would result in nationwide youth demonstrations.
In a dramatic turn of events, youth leader Fridah Kemunto declared herself the Chairperson of the National Youth Council during the protest, arguing that young people had waited too long for a legitimate leadership transition. She maintained that the group remains ready to work with the Council to ensure elections are conducted without further postponements.
Kemunto questioned the implications of delaying a gazetted election indefinitely, saying the move had undermined the confidence of many young people in public institutions.
Responding to the incident, National Youth Council Chief Executive Officer Gloria Wawira defended the postponement, saying the elections were delayed due to logistical challenges. She explained that voter education and public sensitisation must be completed before the electoral exercise can proceed, including at the grassroots level.
Wawira also dismissed Kemunto's self-declaration as chairperson, insisting that no individual could assume office before a lawful election is conducted. She further condemned what she described as a growing culture of hooliganism among sections of the youth, urging young people not to allow themselves to be manipulated for political interests.
The reasons behind the postponement remain unclear. However, questions have been raised over whether it is linked to the recent fatal shooting involving a member of the security team attached to Youth Affairs Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs.
The Principal Secretary has since recorded a statement with investigators and publicly expressed condolences to the family of slain youth mobiliser Cecil Ouma, saying he was deeply saddened by the incident involving his security detail.
The postponement has renewed calls from youth groups demanding transparency, accountability and a clear timetable for the National Youth Council elections.
