Wiper Party Leader Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka has called for the recognition of the new wave of Pan-Africanism that is being led by the youth and sweeping across several countries in Africa.
Speaking at Lukenya University in Kambu Sub-county on Sunday, Musyoka described the new wave as a defining moment for the African continent’s future and called upon African leaders to listen to the youth voices.
He discouraged the leaders from suppressing them, saying the current generation of youth are peaceful. He noted that their demonstrations were due to corruption, impunity and poor governance in Africa.
Musyoka, a former Vice President made the remarks during the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Centre for Pan-African Institute at Lukenya University.
“Leaders must listen to their people and not silence them. This surge of the youth of Pan-Africanism is not an accident,” said Musyoka during the groundbreaking event for the Centre for Pan-African Institute on Sunday.
“These peaceful demonstrations are not acts of recklessness; they are acts of hope and determination. African leaders must stop treating protesters as criminals and terrorists, unlawfully detaining them, or denying them their fundamental rights,” he posed.
The former Vice President further said that the Institute will be a place where ideas ignite, talent is nurtured and Pan-Africanism ideals are brought to life through education, innovation and also action.
Musyoka equated the current Gen Z-led protests across Africa to the liberation struggles that freed the continent from colonialism, emphasising that today’s youth are fighting for dignity, transparency, and justice.
Reflecting on the establishment of the Pan-African Institute, Kalonzo hailed the founders of Lukenya University, Justice (Rtd) Kasanga Mulwa and Mrs. Martha Mulwa, for their vision and resilience in building Kenya’s first non-profit University dedicated to African empowerment through education and innovation.
He said the new Institute should serve as a “beacon of African transformation”, inspiring research, dialogue, and leadership focused on unity, innovation, and sustainable development.
“As we break ground for the Pan-African Institute today, let this moment remind us that Africa’s future is in our hands, and we are still painting our canvas. Let this Institute be a place where ideas ignite, talents are nurtured, and Pan-African ideals are brought to life,” Musyoka posed.
The former Botswana President Lt Gen. Dr. Seretse Khama Ian Khama, who was the Chief Guest, said the theme calls for unity, integrity and values that will guide Africa in a journey of purpose, service and self-determination.
Makueni Governor, Mutula Kilonzo Jr., called for greater transparency and accountability in the conduct of elections across Africa
Mutula said that there was a need to have honesty and integrity in the electoral processes in the continent. “I commend the Pan-African Institute for promoting the spirit of Africanism; the initiative has helped to nurture a generation of Africans committed to unity and good governance,” said Mutula.
During the event, there was conferment of an honorary doctorate (honoris causa) to former Botswana President Lt. General Seretse Ian Khama, in recognition of his contribution to leadership and African unity.
In attendance were former Liberian Vice President Jewel Cianeh Taylor and Professor Patrick Lumumba, who chairs the new Pan-African Institute, among others.
By Patrick Nyakundi
