- Nairobi states are on the move as lawmakers seek governorship seats ahead of the 2027 election
- Youth leader Alex Matere aims to replace Tim Wanyonyi as Westlands Member of Parliament in the upcoming elections
- Matere advocates youth inclusion and transformative politics during a clergy meeting in Westlands
Nairobi – As the 2027 general election approaches, several parliamentary constituencies in Nairobi are witnessing changes and declarations of intent among serving and aspiring MPs, while some MPs decide to seek other offices such as governorship seats, which is changing the competitive environment in the city’s parliamentary constituencies.
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In Westlands, popular youth leader Alex Matere is planning to replace Tim Wanyonyi, the current MP as he moves to seek the Bungoma gubernatorial seat.
Who is hoping for the Westlands parliamentary seat in 2027?
Wanyonyi, who was first elected in 2013, has served the state for three terms, and his political plans for 2027 include exploring roles beyond the parliamentary seat, which opens the field for new candidates.
Matere, an ardent supporter and confidante of the late former prime minister, Raila Odingahaving grown under his supervision and advice from his student leadership days when he was the General Secretary of SONU is the new participant who is expected to cause a tectonic change in the race.
The seat has also attracted the former President of LSK Nelson Havi and Kitusuru MCA Alvin Palapala.
Who is Alex Matere?
Matere is a respected Kenyan youth leader and commentator who often appears in local media discussing political participation and youth issues.
He currently serves as the Executive Director of Youth Bridge Kenya, an NGO dedicated to nurturing young people through educated, innovative, and value-based approaches for personal, community, and global development.
Previously, Matere served as the Board Director of the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation and chaired the Board’s Audit and Technical Committees.
Matere called the Union of Youth to Build Bridges to defend the constitutional reforms resulting from the Raila-Uhuru greeting.
Additionally, he served on task forces dedicated to integrating youth inclusion and empowerment through initiatives such as the Kenya Youth Policy, the Kenya Skills Development Policy, the Kenya Career Guidance Policy, and the Public Service Training Policy.
Matere, a brilliant academic with grassroots mobilisation, attended the African Leadership Forum under Olusegun Obasanjo, whom he sees as an influential mentor and hero.
He is also a graduate of the International Visitor Leadership Program, the US State Department’s prestigious exchange program for current and emerging world leaders.
During the meeting with the priests, Matere said he knows the challenges facing the residents of Westlands, and he was ready to face them.
“I know the challenges facing our community and our nation due to high unemployment, limited access to opportunities, and a political culture that sometimes isolates the voices of young people. I have always believed that politics should be about opportunity and service to impact and change lives, not hatred or division. I am not here because I am young, I am here because I believe my generation has the power, ideas, and determination to bring about change. Together, we will take Westlands to greater heights, ensuring that no one is left behind. I am asking for your help of you, your thoughts, and your cooperation as we continue this journey,” said Matere in his inaugural meeting with priests from Westlands earlier this week.
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