In a stirring call to action that echoed the timeless ideals of African unity, Wiper Party Leader and former Kenyan Vice President Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka has championed the rising tide of youth-led Pan-Africanism, framing it as a pivotal force in reshaping the continent’s destiny.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Pan-African Institute at Lukenya University in Mtito Andei, Makueni County, on November 9, 2025, Musyoka emphasized the need for leaders to heed the voices of young Africans pushing for transparency, accountability, and good governance through peaceful means.
The event, held amid a backdrop of vibrant celebrations marking Pan-African Day 2025, drew an illustrious gathering of dignitaries, including former Botswana President Lieutenant General Dr. Seretse Khama Ian Khama, who served as the chief guest, former Liberian Vice President Jewel Cianeh Taylor, Makueni County Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., Lukenya University Founder Martha Kasanga Mulwa, Chancellor Professor Margaret McKenna, Vice Chancellor Dr. Judith Wafula, Board of Trustees Chair Senator Sylvia Kasanga, and Pan-African Institute Chairman Professor P.L.O. Lumumba.
This assembly underscored the institute’s growing role as a beacon for African renaissance, building on its establishment two years prior in 2023.
A Renewed Wave of Pan-Africanism: From Liberation Struggles to Gen-Z Protests
Pan-Africanism, a philosophical and political movement rooted in the early 20th century with pioneers like Marcus Garvey, Kwame Nkrumah, and Julius Nyerere, has long advocated for the unity, self-determination, and economic empowerment of African peoples both on the continent and in the diaspora.
Today, Musyoka argued, this ethos is being revitalized by a new generation—often dubbed Gen-Z—who are leveraging social media, peaceful demonstrations, and innovative activism to challenge entrenched issues like corruption, electoral fraud, impunity, and the escalating cost of living.
“Leaders should pay attention to the voices of their people, especially the youth, who are driving a renewed interest in Pan-Africanism,” Musyoka declared during the ceremony.
He portrayed these youth-led movements not as threats to stability, but as echoes of Africa’s historic liberation struggles against colonialism and oppression.
“The youth’s peaceful actions reflect their hope and determination,” he added, urging leaders to engage constructively rather than viewing young activists as adversaries. “The youth are not enemies of the state.”
Musyoka highlighted the urgency of this generational shift, pointing to alarming trends across Africa: “This surge of youth-led Pan-Africanism isn’t accidental. Nineteen coups in just four years, coupled with the persistence of ‘WANTAM’ presidencies, are warnings we can’t ignore. The people of Africa are awake, and the spirit of Pan-Africanism is alive, resilient, and unstoppable.”
Here, “WANTAM” likely refers to leaders who seek to amend constitutions to extend their terms indefinitely, a phenomenon that has fueled instability in countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger in recent years.
This narrative resonates deeply in Kenya, where Gen-Z-led protests against the controversial Finance Bill 2024 earlier this year drew global attention, resulting in government concessions but also tragic clashes with security forces.
Similar uprisings have swept through Nigeria (EndSARS movement), Sudan, and Senegal, signaling a continent-wide awakening among youth frustrated by economic inequality and governance failures.
Honoring Raila Odinga’s Enduring Legacy in African Unity
A poignant moment of the ceremony was Musyoka’s heartfelt tribute to the late Raila Amolo Odinga, Kenya’s second Prime Minister and a towering figure in Pan-Africanism, who passed away recently.
Describing Odinga as a lifelong advocate for African integration, Musyoka noted his role as the African Union’s High Representative for Infrastructure Development, where he pushed for interconnected railways, roads, energy grids, and digital networks to foster economic cooperation.
“For decades, he championed African unity, economic cooperation, and leadership that prioritizes people,” Musyoka said. “Raila believed passionately that Africa must speak with one voice, and that our continent’s future depends on our ability to stand together.”
He envisioned Odinga’s spirit smiling upon the gathering, affirming that even in death, his dream of a united Africa endures. This homage not only honored Odinga’s contributions but also linked past Pan-African icons to the current youth-driven resurgence.
The Pan-African Institute: A Hub for Education, Innovation, and Ideals
At the heart of the event was the groundbreaking for the Pan-African Institute, an initiative poised to become a cornerstone for nurturing Pan-African ideals through education and innovation.
Musyoka described the institute as a platform where “ideas ignite, talents are nurtured, and Pan-African ideals are brought to life.”
He emphasized its potential to empower young Africans by providing spaces for dialogue, research, and skill-building in areas like leadership, sustainable development, and cultural preservation.
Lukenya University, Kenya’s first non-profit institution dedicated to African empowerment, has already embraced this mission since the institute’s initial launch in 2023, which featured prominent figures like South African opposition leader Julius Malema and Professor P.L.O. Lumumba.
The new groundbreaking signals an expansion, including programs in Pan-African Studies, aimed at equipping students with the tools to address climate challenges, agricultural innovation, and leadership skills in collaboration with partners like AISECT.
“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,” Musyoka poetically stated, invoking a sense of collective agency.
The institute’s focus aligns with broader continental goals, such as the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions a prosperous, integrated Africa driven by its people—particularly its youth, who constitute over 60% of the population under 25.
Broader Implications: Challenges from Leaders Clinging to Power
The ceremony also featured sharp critiques from guest speaker Khama, who lambasted African leaders for exploiting Pan-Africanism to justify prolonged rule.
He specifically accused Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan of electoral rigging in the October 29, 2025, polls and suppressing dissent, calling her administration “illegitimate.”
Such remarks highlight ongoing tensions in African politics, where youth-led demands for democratic reforms clash with entrenched power structures.
Musyoka’s message extends beyond the event, aligning with his broader opposition stance in Kenya.
In a recent New Year’s address, he vowed that 2025 would not be “business as usual,” pledging to advocate for teachers, farmers, and youth amid allegations of government abuses, including abductions during protests.
Looking Ahead: Youth as Catalysts for Africa’s Renaissance
As Africa grapples with rapid urbanization, climate change, and economic disparities, Musyoka’s call for recognizing youth-led Pan-Africanism offers a roadmap for progress.
By supporting peaceful youth initiatives and investing in institutions like the Pan-African Institute, leaders can harness this energy to build a more equitable continent.
The groundbreaking at Lukenya University not only marks a physical milestone but symbolizes a generational handover, where the canvas of Africa’s future is painted with bold strokes of unity, innovation, and resilience.
This event serves as a timely reminder: The spirit of Pan-Africanism, once ignited by elders like Nkrumah and Odinga, now burns brightly in the hands of Africa’s youth.
As Musyoka aptly put it, the continent’s destiny lies in listening to these voices and fostering their dreams for a united, prosperous Africa.
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