- In an exclusive with TUKO.co.ke, Christabel Azangalala shared her journey from global forums to grassroots activism to inspire youth to claim their space in politics
- Her bold message challenged traditional norms and urged young women to break barriers and lead with vision and unapologetic confidence
- Despite facing stereotypes and systemic hurdles, she remained committed to mentoring future leaders and influencing Kenya’s 2027 political landscape
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.
The determination and zeal of young Kenyans to drive meaningful change in the country’s political leadership cannot be overlooked as Kenya gears up for the 2027 General Election.
Source: Facebook
Every political party and faction is working to bring youthful minds into the fold—not only for their ideas but also for the numbers they contribute at the ballot.
However, young leaders have resolved to stand up for their interests and refuse to be used merely as vote banks.
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At just 25, Christabel Azangalala has emerged as one of Kenya’s most dynamic and fast-rising women leaders, determined to carve out space for youth participation in national decision-making.
Her journey is a testament to resilience, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to empowering the next generation of change-makers.
In an exclusive interview with TUKO.co.ke, Azangalala—an alumna of Kakamega Hill Primary School, Sacred Heart Girls Mukumu, and Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST)—emphasised the urgent need to mentor and prepare young leaders who can drive meaningful change both now and in the future.
Her advocacy is rooted in lived experience and a deep understanding of the challenges facing youth, especially young women, in Kenya’s political landscape.
Is Christabel Azangalala recognised globally?
Azangalala first captured national and international attention during the 2025 Best Diplomats Programme in Dubai, where she delivered a powerful speech that resonated across borders.
Source: Facebook
The global platform, which brought together young leaders to shape the future of diplomacy, became a springboard for her to share the lessons she’s gathered through years of grassroots activism and mentorship.
“This is about representation, impact, and the rise of a new generation of leaders who are unapologetically bold, visionary, and ready to rewrite the narrative,” she said. “If you are not included at the table, burn it. We are breaking barriers now.”
Azangalala’s energy and ambition have opened doors to high-level engagements, including meetings with four African heads of state: Zambia’s Hakainde Hichilema, Sierra Leone’s Julius Maada Bio, Congo Brazzaville’s Denis Sassou Nguesso, and former Ghanaian president Nana Akufo-Addo.
These encounters, she says, reinforced her belief that young Africans must be part of the continent’s leadership conversations.
“When history is written, I want to say that I was a voice of my generation,” she reflected. “I repainted the picture of Africa and stood for the dignity of our people. This can be the same for every young woman with a dream of rising into leadership. That’s why I give my all to support them through mentorship and now urge them to infiltrate the political space dominated by men and speak up for themselves.”
Her transition from beauty pageantry—having competed in Miss World Kenya 2018 and represented the country as Miss Pan Africa—to political activism was driven by a desire to solve real problems.
“I grew up in a society with challenges that needed action, not just talk,” she said. “I saw girls missing school because they couldn’t afford sanitary pads. I had to do something.”
Source: Facebook
Is Christabel Azangalala a philanthropist?
Her leadership journey is deeply intertwined with philanthropy.
One of her most impactful initiatives involved distributing free sanitary pads to over 20,000 girls across rural Kenya—an effort aimed at combating menstrual health stigma and ensuring girls don’t miss school due to lack of access to basic hygiene products.
This campaign not only restored dignity to thousands but also highlighted the power of youth-led solutions to systemic problems.
Azangalala believes that restoring dignity and creating opportunities for young people requires strategic mobilisation.
She’s learned to rally communities, build networks, and advocate for policy changes—skills she sees as essential for youth leaders aiming to take power in the 2027 General Election.
Will Christabel Azangalala run for political seat?
Despite her optimism, she acknowledges the hurdles young and female leaders face: underestimation, gender stereotyping, lack of funding, and navigating dysfunctional systems. Yet she remains undeterred.
“Whenever you raise serious issues and present yourself, many people tell you to stay aside and wait your turn. They see young and naïve girls instead of ambitious leaders,” she said. “I’ve chosen to rise above this intimidation. Fellow young leaders must stand firm against these shortcomings as we march toward taking over Kenya’s leadership.”
Azangalala hinted that she would lead by example in 2027, either by running for top office in Kakamega or serving as a strategic voice for youth issues within national political factions.
Her goal is to ensure that youth are not just participants but decision-makers in shaping Kenya’s future.
Source: Facebook
Azangalala’s message resonates with other youth leaders, including Kisii county grassroots activist Alex Orenge, who emphasised the importance of voter registration.
“A voter registration card empowers us to elect leaders with a clear vision who prioritise our needs,” he said. “Our opportunity to redeem Kenya’s development dream is at the ballot—when we elect leaders with integrity and vision.”
Will Boniface Mwangi run for president?
In other news, activist Boniface Mwangi officially declared his presidential bid, aiming to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election.
He pledged to unite like-minded Kenyans to share ideas, reflect on national progress, and turn collective aspirations into transformative action.
His supporters criticised Ruto’s administration and positioned Mwangi’s campaign as a bold alternative focused on integrity, justice, and inclusive leadership.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
