Peter Maddens, the outgoing Belgian Ambassador to Kenya, has emphasized that the integrity of the 2027 General Election hinges on the political will of leaders, institutions, and citizens rather than mere circumstances. In a recent exit interview, Maddens described conducting a free and fair election as a deliberate political decision.
He highlighted the importance of increased voter participation, especially among young people, to ensure the next president receives a robust democratic mandate. Maddens noted that voter apathy in the 2022 election weakened the electoral legitimacy and contributed to frustrations that fueled the Gen Z protests in 2024.
Call for Youth Engagement
Maddens urged Kenyan youth to register and vote, warning that low turnout undermines the authority of elected leaders. "Please, please, please register to vote," he implored, stressing that a strong turnout is essential for a credible mandate amid challenging times.
Reflections on Gen Z Protests
Discussing the youth-led demonstrations, Maddens observed that the insistence on being "leaderless" limited the movement’s impact, as governments lacked clear interlocutors. However, he praised the movement’s rejection of ethnic politics, describing the "tribeless" identity as a significant step forward in Kenya’s political evolution.
Progress Beyond Tribal Politics
Drawing on his experience from Belgium, a country with deep cultural divisions, Maddens expressed optimism about Kenya’s readiness to move beyond tribalism. He cited the 2018 handshake between former President Uhuru Kenyatta and the late Raila Odinga, the Gen Z movement’s stance, and the issue-focused 2022 presidential campaign as signs of this shift.
Kenya’s Role and Future
Maddens praised Kenya’s democratic progress and political stability, noting its strategic importance in East Africa and its strong international partnerships, including with the European Union. As he returns to Brussels to head the Africa Department at Belgium’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he called on Kenyans to safeguard electoral credibility through active participation.
“The next president, whoever that may be, needs a genuine mandate,” Maddens concluded. “That begins with citizens registering, voting and ensuring the election reflects the will of the people.”
