Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has made a significant move to connect with the younger generation by hosting a live session on TikTok, aiming to engage Gen Z voters ahead of the 2027 elections. This initiative, which took place on January 23, 2025, marks a notable shift from traditional political communication methods, as Gachagua seeks to leverage the platform’s popularity among youth to address their concerns and aspirations.
During the two-hour live session, Gachagua fielded questions on various topics, including Universal Health Coverage and the Social Health Authority. He emphasized the importance of issuing ID cards to young people, enabling them to register as voters for the upcoming elections. “We are calling upon the international community to put pressure so that we have the IEBC constituted so that it can start voter registration and prepare for the next general election,” he stated, highlighting his commitment to empowering the youth politically.
Gachagua’s engagement on TikTok is part of a broader strategy to tap into the influential Gen Z demographic, which has shown its potential to sway political outcomes. This group was notably active in anti-government protests last year, signaling their growing political awareness and activism. By adopting a more informal and direct approach through social media, Gachagua aims to resonate with these young voters and address their pressing issues.
The former Deputy President’s TikTok debut also reflects a changing landscape in Kenyan political campaigns. Politicians globally are increasingly using social media platforms to connect with constituents in a more relatable manner. Gachagua’s session was moderated by popular content creator Kuira wa Kabiru and attracted hundreds of viewers who posed questions ranging from his relationship with President William Ruto to his views on national governance.
Despite facing interruptions during the live stream, Gachagua’s willingness to engage directly with young Kenyans demonstrates his recognition of their importance in shaping future electoral outcomes. This engagement strategy aligns with President Ruto’s earlier efforts to connect with youth through social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), where he promised to address their concerns.
Rigathi Gachagua’s foray into TikTok signifies a strategic pivot in his political outreach, aiming to harness the energy and influence of Gen Z as Kenya approaches the crucial 2027 elections. By prioritizing direct engagement and addressing youth-centric issues, he hopes to galvanize support from this vital voter bloc.
