Comedian and activist Eric Omondi has unveiled the first-ever political candidate under his Youth 47 movement, marking a new chapter in his push to bring young leaders into Kenya’s political landscape.
Speaking with members of the public on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, Omondi announced that Charles Kiura will contest the Muminji Ward seat in Mbeere North, Embu County, during the upcoming by-election scheduled for February 26, 2026.
Omondi described the move as a significant step toward empowering young Kenyans to take charge of governance and decision-making at all levels.
“The idea is to birth a new generation of leadership,” began Omondi. “We believe that the time has come for a new type of leadership, a new Kenya, a new dawn.”
In a move to challenge traditional political structures on Sunday, January 13, 2026, Omondi’s newly launched Youth 47 Movement promised to field and support youth candidates across all 47 counties.
Known for his activism on youth unemployment and governance issues, Omondi has positioned Youth 47 as a grassroots political empowerment platform rather than a conventional political party.
Frank Rawlings, another political aspirant affiliated with Youth 47, encouraged young Kenyans to register as voters for a meaningful impact in the 2027 General Elections.
Aspirant Margaret Ndege went on to describe Youth 47 as focused on bringing the Kenyan youth together
In the campaign for Kiura’s bid for Muminji Ward, Embu County, on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, Omondi described the candidate as a Gen Z with motivation, ideas, and a desire to change the ward.
Omondi and Kiura embarked on a campaign across the ward to popularize and create awareness about the movement’s candidate, saying, “It is time for a new kind of leadership.”
Omondi, best known for his comedy and activism, is not new to politics. At the height of the protests for the finance bill in 2024, he famously rallied small-time businesswomen known as 'Mama Mboga' to block vehicles by pouring kales on Parliament Road.
However, this marks Omondi’s first direct involvement in electoral politics as the leader of an organized movement.
