30 September 2026 | Mathare, Nairobi

Mukuru Youth Initiative (MuYI) is proud to be part of the Nairobi People’s Manifesto formulation process, an ongoing community-led initiative aimed at bringing together the voices, experiences and priorities of Nairobi residents ahead of the 2027 General Election.

On 30th September 2026, MuYI joined other community actors and stakeholders for a follow-up meeting held at the Ghetto Foundation in Mathare, facilitated by Akiba Mashinani Trust.

The meeting was an important opportunity to reflect on the manifesto formulation process and discuss how Nairobi residents can collectively define the issues they want future leaders to prioritize.

A Manifesto From the People

The Nairobi People’s Manifesto is being developed as a platform for communities across Nairobi to articulate their priorities and aspirations.

The process recognizes that residents understand the challenges facing their communities because they experience them every day. From access to basic services and affordable housing to employment, youth opportunities, security, health, education and accountable leadership, Nairobi residents have clear concerns about the future of their city.

Through the manifesto process, these concerns can be brought together into a shared set of priorities that can be presented to leaders who will be elected in the 2027 General Election.

The intention is to ensure that communities are not only approached during election campaigns, but are also able to clearly communicate what they expect from their elected representatives.

From Election Promises to Community Priorities

Elections provide an opportunity for citizens to choose their representatives, but meaningful participation goes beyond voting.

The Nairobi People’s Manifesto formulation process creates an opportunity for residents to identify what they want their leaders to focus on once elected.

It is about asking an important question:

What should the leaders elected in 2027 deliver for the people of Nairobi?

By collectively identifying priorities, communities can create a reference point for continued engagement with elected leaders and other decision-makers.

The Role of Community Journalism

The Mathare meeting also highlighted the important role of community journalists in documenting community priorities and supporting informed civic engagement.

Community journalists are often deeply connected to the communities they report from. Their work can help amplify local voices, document issues and provide residents with information that supports meaningful participation.

As Nairobi approaches the 2027 General Election, responsible reporting and access to accurate information will remain important in addressing misinformation and hate speech and supporting peaceful civic participation.

MuYI and Community-Led Change

For Mukuru Youth Initiative, participation in the Nairobi People’s Manifesto process builds on our commitment to creating spaces where young people and communities can participate in conversations that affect their lives.

Through our work in Mukuru, MuYI continues to use art, digital media, civic engagement and community organizing to amplify community voices and support young people to become active participants in shaping their communities.

We recognize that the challenges facing Nairobi cannot be addressed without the meaningful participation of the people who live here.

The Nairobi People’s Manifesto provides an opportunity for communities to come together, identify shared priorities and engage leaders around the issues that matter most to Nairobi residents.

Building Nairobi Together

From Mukuru to Mathare and across the different communities of Nairobi, residents have ideas, experiences and solutions that deserve space in the city’s development agenda.

MuYI is proud to contribute to a process that seeks to place those voices at the centre.

The Nairobi People’s Manifesto is ultimately about creating a shared community agenda — one that Nairobi residents can use to engage with leaders elected in 2027 and advocate for priorities that can improve the lives of the people of Nairobi.

Our city. Our priorities. Our voices.

MuYI looks forward to continuing to work alongside community organizations, young people, journalists and other stakeholders to ensure that Nairobi residents remain active participants in shaping the future of their city.

#MuYI #MukuruYouthInitiative #NairobiPeoplesManifesto #Nairobi #CommunityVoices #CivicEngagement #Mukuru #Mathare #2027GeneralElection

22 young people. One honest conversation. One difficult question: are young Kenyans building the lives they want, or are we simply surviving?

The latest Coffee Bar Tuesday at MuYI Hub brought together 22 young people for an open conversation about education, skills, employment, career growth and the realities of making a living in Kenya.

We began with a simple exercise: What did you study? What skills do you have? What is your area of expertise? And does your current work match what you trained for?

The responses revealed a reality many young people can relate to. More than 80% of the participants were not working in the fields they had studied. For many, the reason was not a lack of ambition or interest in their careers. It was simply the need to earn an income and survive.

From career development to survival

For many young people, the first priority is no longer necessarily “What career do I want?” but rather “What opportunity can help me pay my bills?”

The cost of living has made it increasingly difficult to wait for the perfect opportunity, undertake additional training or remain unemployed while searching for work related to one’s qualifications. Participants acknowledged that sometimes you simply take whatever work is available because life cannot wait for your career plan.

This creates a difficult cycle: you gain qualifications, find work outside your field, spend years trying to survive, and may never get the opportunity to develop the skills you originally trained for.

What are we actually good at?

The conversation also explored the importance of specialisation and self-awareness.

Participants observed that constantly moving from one profession to another can make it difficult to build expertise or become recognised for something. Focusing on the things we are naturally good at, developing those skills and building a reputation around them can create stronger career opportunities over time.

But this is easier said than done when economic circumstances force people to prioritise immediate income.

Are we competing for too few opportunities?

Another major concern was the competition for opportunities across generations.

Young people are entering a labour market where they may be competing for the same opportunities as people who have been working for decades. Whether someone is 18 or 60, the competition for limited jobs and income-generating opportunities remains real.

For the participants, this pointed to a bigger challenge: there simply aren’t enough opportunities for everyone who needs one.

The result is that many young people end up accepting whatever work they can find rather than what they are trained or passionate about.

The income gap and the poverty question

One of the most striking points raised during the discussion was the amount of income required for a person to move beyond poverty.

A figure cited during the conversation suggested that Kenyans would need to earn approximately KSh 1.8 million per person annually, compared with about KSh 285,000 currently, to reach an income level estimated to eliminate poverty.

That would translate to approximately KSh 150,000 per month, compared with about KSh 23,750 per month at KSh 285,000 annually.

We have not been able to independently verify the specific KSh 1.8 million/KSh 285,000 comparison from an underlying primary report, so it is best treated as a figure reported or discussed rather than an established official poverty threshold.

What is well established is that poverty remains a major challenge in Kenya. The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics reported that 39.8% of Kenyans—about 20.2 million people—were living below the overall poverty line in 2022. (Village Enterprise)

This brought us back to the central question of the evening: how can young people build their future when so much of their income is consumed by simply getting through the present?

When basic needs take everything

The conversation inevitably moved beyond individual careers to the wider environment in which young people are trying to build their lives.

Participants spoke about the cost of food, healthcare, education, housing and transport. The argument was that when households spend most of their available income meeting basic needs, there is very little left for saving, investing, starting a business, pursuing further education or developing a career.

One participant put it simply: if public resources are used effectively to ensure that basic services work, individuals could have more of their income available to build rather than merely survive.

Although the conversation was intentionally not designed as a political discussion, questions about governance naturally emerged because the economic environment affects almost every aspect of young people’s lives.

Hard work — but is hard work enough?

One of the strongest reflections from the Coffee Bar was the tension between hard work and opportunity.

Young people are often told to work hard, acquire skills and remain focused. But participants questioned what happens when someone works hard in an economy where opportunities are limited and the cost of living continues to consume their earnings.

The conversation did not dismiss hard work. Instead, it raised a deeper question:

What happens when hard work is only enough to keep you surviving, but not enough to help you advance?

From surviving to building a life

By the end of the discussion, there was a shared recognition that many young Kenyans are not necessarily lacking dreams, skills or ambition.

Many are simply operating in survival mode.

They have qualifications but work outside their fields. They have ambitions but cannot afford to wait for the right opportunity. They have skills but struggle to find markets for them. They want to build businesses but lack capital. They want to continue learning but have bills to pay.

And perhaps this is the bigger question that Coffee Bar Tuesday leaves us with:

Are we building the lives we want, or are we simply finding better ways to survive?

The conversation at MuYI Hub continues to provide a space where young people can ask these difficult questions without judgement, share experiences and learn from one another.

Because sometimes, before we can change our circumstances, we need a space where we can honestly talk about them.

☕ Coffee Bar Tuesday — Let’s Talk. Let’s Listen. Let’s Take Action.

#CoffeeBarTuesday #MuYIHub #Mukuru #YouthVoices #YouthAndWork #CareerGrowth #YoungKenyans #CostOfLiving #LetsTalk #LetsListen #LetsTakeAction

19 young people. One conversation. Many perspectives.

The latest Coffee Bar Tuesday at MuYI HUB brought together 19 young people for an open conversation on multipartism and what it means for Kenya’s 2027 General Elections.

The discussion moved beyond simply asking whether Kenya should have many political parties. Participants explored the history of political pluralism in Kenya, the quality of political parties today, the role of individual candidates, presidential coalitions, the lessons of the 1992 elections, and what citizens should consider when choosing leaders.

There was no simple answer — but there was plenty to debate.

Kenya Had Multipartism at Independence

The conversation began by looking back at Kenya’s political history.

When Kenya became independent on 12 December 1963, the country had a multiparty political system. The leading parties included KANU, KADU and the African People’s Party. KANU won the 1963 elections and formed the government under Jomo Kenyatta.

KADU is particularly important to understanding Kenya’s early experience with multipartism.

KADU had emerged partly to represent communities that feared domination by the larger groups represented within KANU. It also advocated for a federal or Majimbo system, while KANU generally favoured a more centralized system of government.

After independence, however, KADU dissolved and merged with KANU in 1964. The merger effectively removed the main opposition party and contributed to Kenya becoming a de facto one-party state.

The history raised an important question for the Coffee Bar:

What happens to democracy when political competition disappears?

Do We Need Parties — or Better Candidates?

As the discussion moved to present-day Kenya, participants were initially divided.

Some argued that individual candidates should be able to run independently, rather than being tied to political parties.

The argument was that many Kenyan political parties are heavily controlled by individuals or small groups rather than being genuinely ideology- and agenda-driven institutions.

Participants raised concerns about party leaders determining who receives tickets, the cost associated with securing party nominations and the influence that party owners can exercise over candidates.

The question therefore became:

If political parties are controlled by individuals, are voters really choosing a political agenda — or are they choosing the person who controls the party?

Some participants felt that allowing more candidates to run independently could create an opportunity to select leaders based on their track record, competence and relationship with the community, rather than simply their party affiliation.

Others, however, recognized that political parties remain important institutions for organizing political participation and building national agendas.

The 1992 Election: A Lesson in Opposition Division

One of the most interesting historical discussions focused on Kenya’s 1992 presidential election, the first multiparty presidential election after the restoration of multiparty politics in 1991.

Daniel arap Moi, running on the KANU ticket, won with 1,962,866 votes, or 36.35%. Kenneth Matiba received 26.00%, Mwai Kibaki 19.45%, and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga 17.48%.

The opposition vote was therefore spread across several candidates.

Participants discussed the long-standing argument that opposition fragmentation helped Moi retain the presidency. There were also allegations during the period that the government used administrative and political tactics that disadvantaged opposition parties. Contemporary election observers documented harassment of opposition candidates and restrictions on opposition activities in some areas.

However, there is an important historical distinction.

Kenya did not have the current 50%+1 presidential threshold in 1992. The constitutional requirement at the time was that the winning candidate receive the highest number of votes and at least 25% of the votes in five of the eight provinces. Moi met that requirement.

The current 50%+1 requirement came with the 2010 Constitution. Under Article 138, a presidential candidate must receive more than half of all votes cast and at least 25% of the votes in more than half of Kenya’s counties. If nobody meets the threshold, a fresh election is held between the qualifying top candidates.

That difference became particularly relevant to the discussion about 2027.

Could 2027 Repeat the Lesson of 1992?

Participants expressed concern about the possibility of multiple presidential candidates dividing the national vote.

The fear is straightforward: if opposition or alternative candidates enter the election separately, the vote could be divided among several candidates, potentially making it difficult for any one candidate to cross the constitutional threshold.

This raised a key question:

Does Kenya need presidential political unity while maintaining political diversity at other levels?

The emerging consensus was nuanced.

Participants supported multipartism as an important part of democracy, but argued that presidential politics may require strategic thinking about how votes are consolidated.

At the same time, they felt that voters should have the freedom to choose among different parties and candidates for MCA, MP, Senator, Woman Representative and Governor positions based on the quality of the individual candidate.

In other words:

Unity at the presidential level does not necessarily have to mean uniformity across every elective position.

Are We Getting the Leaders We Deserve?

The conversation then shifted from political parties to the quality of leadership Kenya currently has.

Participants questioned whether the existing political system is producing leaders capable of addressing the country’s challenges.

Concerns were raised about political leaders who appear more focused on political survival than public service, as well as the influence of money, party structures and political personalities in determining who gets elected.

This brought back a question raised during previous Coffee Bar sessions:

Should we choose leaders because of their party, or should we choose parties based on the leaders they produce?

Participants generally felt that track record should matter.

Before supporting a candidate, voters should be asking:

What have they done before?

What have they stood for?

Have they served their community?

Can they articulate their ideas?

Have they demonstrated integrity?

Can they understand and defend the interests of their constituents?

What happens when they disagree with those who control their party?

Fear of Constitutional Changes and Shrinking Civic Space

The conversation also touched on concerns about the relationship between political leadership and the Constitution.

Recent remarks by President William Ruto about possible constitutional changes generated concern among participants, particularly around the principle that constitutional change should be grounded in public participation and the consent of Kenyans.

Some participants expressed fear about what another presidential victory could mean for dissenting voices and political opposition.

These were expressed as concerns and fears rather than conclusions, but they reflected a broader issue raised throughout the session:

How do we build institutions strong enough to protect democracy regardless of who is in power?

The discussion emphasized that democracy cannot depend entirely on the goodwill of individual politicians. Strong institutions, an independent judiciary, accountable Parliament, active citizens, a free media and vibrant political competition are all important parts of democratic governance.

The Fear That Politicians Are All the Same

There was also an interesting contradiction in the conversation.

Some participants expressed frustration that many politicians appear to be the same, regardless of their political party.

But others argued that voters should not assume that every politician is the same without examining their record.

This brought the conversation back to individual responsibility as voters.

If we have the opportunity to examine a candidate’s history, decisions, public statements and community record, then perhaps the responsibility also falls on citizens to do more than vote according to party colours.

Where Did the Conversation End?

Interestingly, the session did not arrive at a definitive answer.

But there was broad agreement on one important principle:

Multipartism remains important for Kenya’s democracy.

Participants recognized that political competition gives citizens choices and creates space for different ideas and leadership.

At the same time, there was recognition that the existence of many political parties does not automatically produce better democracy.

Political parties need stronger internal democracy, clearer agendas, accountability and genuine representation.

And voters need to look beyond the party label.

Multipartism and 2027: The Emerging Question

Perhaps the strongest conclusion from the Coffee Bar was not that Kenyans need fewer parties or more parties.

It was that we need better political choices.

For the presidential election, participants saw the importance of political unity and strategic thinking if competing forces want to avoid repeating the fragmentation seen in 1992.

But for the other elective positions, participants emphasized the importance of allowing voters to evaluate candidates independently.

MCA. MP. Senator. Woman Representative. Governor.

The party should not automatically determine the candidate we support.

Instead, the candidate’s track record, competence, values and commitment to the community should matter.

The bigger challenge for 2027 may therefore be:

Can Kenya maintain the political diversity that multipartism provides while ensuring that voters make informed choices based on competence, accountability and agenda — rather than simply party, personality or political allegiance?

That is a conversation worth continuing.

☕ Coffee Bar Tuesday

With 19 young people participating, this week’s Coffee Bar demonstrated once again the importance of creating spaces where young people can discuss politics without being told what to think.

The conversation was not about finding one political position.

It was about asking better questions.

And as Kenya moves toward 2027, perhaps that is where meaningful political participation begins:

Question the party. Question the candidate. Question the agenda. And, most importantly, question your own vote.

Coffee Bar Tuesday — Speak. Listen. Engage. Impact.

The June 25th commemorative protests once again placed the relationship between citizens and law enforcement at the centre of national conversation. For many young Kenyans, the protests were more than a political event—they became a lived experience of what it means to exercise constitutional rights in today’s Kenya.

Against this backdrop, MuYI Hub hosted this week’s Coffee Bar, bringing together 18 young people for an open conversation on Article 37 of the Constitution of Kenya and what every citizen should know before, during, and after participating in a peaceful protest.

Starting with the Constitution

The session began with introductions, followed by a simple question:

“How many of you attended the June 25th commemorative protests?”

Only four participants had taken part. Among them was one participant who had been arrested during the demonstrations, taken to court the following day, and released on 26th June.

Rather than beginning with opinions, the discussion started where every conversation about rights should—with the Constitution itself.

Participants read Article 37, which provides that every person has the right, peacefully and unarmed, to assemble, demonstrate, picket, and present petitions to public authorities.

For many participants, it was the first time they had read the Article in full.

As the discussion progressed, participants also examined other legal provisions commonly cited during arrests, comparing them with the constitutional protections guaranteed under Article 37. A recurring observation was that while the Constitution strongly protects peaceful assembly, police officers often rely on public order laws to justify arrests and the use of force, raising important questions about how these laws are interpreted and applied in practice.

When the Conversation Became Personal

The legal discussion quickly evolved into something much more personal.

Almost every participant had either experienced police harassment themselves or knew someone who had.

One participant described being arrested simply for asking officers why they were being detained. Others spoke about being physically assaulted after questioning police actions. Several shared experiences of being arrested despite committing no offence, only to later discover they had been booked under broad offences such as being drunk and disorderly, allegations they strongly disputed.

Perhaps the strongest concern raised was the issue of extortion.

Participants explained that many arrests appear designed to waste people’s time rather than pursue justice. Spending a night or several days in custody can mean missing work, losing income, or even risking employment. Faced with those consequences, many people feel pressured to pay bribes simply to secure their release.

The discussion highlighted how fear—not guilt—is often what drives corruption.

Understanding Your Rights Can Protect You

One of the session’s key messages was that knowing your rights can significantly reduce panic during an arrest.

Participants discussed the rights guaranteed under Article 49 of the Constitution, including the right to know why you have been arrested, the right to communicate with a lawyer or another person of your choice, and the right to be brought before a court within 24 hours.

The group emphasized one practical lesson that every citizen should remember:

Always find out what offence you are being booked for at the police station.

Knowing the exact charge can make it easier for lawyers, family members, and human rights defenders to provide assistance.

At the same time, facilitators encouraged participants to remain calm during arrests. While citizens have the right to question unlawful actions, unnecessary confrontation with police officers often leads to an additional charge of resisting arrest, whether justified or not.

Knowing your rights is important—but exercising wisdom is equally important.

Who Really Commands the Police?

One question sparked an especially lively debate.

If the Constitution says the National Police Service is independent, why do the President and the Cabinet Secretary regularly issue public instructions to police officers?

To answer this, participants turned once again to the Constitution.

They examined Article 245, which establishes the independence of the Inspector-General of the National Police Service.

Article 245 makes it clear that no person may direct the Inspector-General on how to investigate a specific offence, enforce the law against a particular individual, or make operational decisions regarding police officers. While the Cabinet Secretary responsible for security may issue general policy directions, operational policing decisions are constitutionally meant to remain independent.

This distinction between policy leadership and operational independence generated thoughtful discussion about whether these constitutional safeguards are consistently respected in practice.

A Firsthand Experience of Arrest

One of the most powerful moments of the evening came when Ngolo, who had been arrested during the June 25th protests, shared his experience.

He recalled hearing officers shout, “Shoot him! Shoot him!” as he attempted to flee. Realizing escape was no longer possible, he surrendered and was bundled into a police Subaru before being taken to Kamukunji Police Station.

Despite the fear and confusion, Ngolo remembered one lesson from previous civic education sessions: before anything else, confirm what offence you have been booked under.

After confirming the charge, he immediately contacted fellow human rights defenders to notify them of his arrest.

He was presented before court the following day and released without further detention.

His experience demonstrated how civic education can make a real difference during moments of crisis.

Clearing Up Common Misconceptions

Another important discussion centred on widespread misconceptions about arrests and criminal records.

Many participants believed that simply being arrested or appearing in court would permanently affect their record or prevent them from obtaining a Certificate of Good Conduct.

The session clarified that an arrest does not automatically result in a criminal record. Likewise, appearing in court for a minor offence does not automatically affect a person’s future employment opportunities or eligibility for a Certificate of Good Conduct. What matters is the outcome of the legal process, particularly whether there is a conviction.

For many participants, this was reassuring information that challenged fears they had carried for years.

Protest Is Not the Same as a Riot

Participants also explored the legal distinction between a peaceful protest, a demonstration, and a riot.

The discussion highlighted that Article 37 protects peaceful assemblies, while police use of force must comply with the law and should be proportionate to the circumstances. Participants reflected on the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests, observing that although many demonstrations were peaceful, incidents of looting by criminal elements were later used to justify broader crackdowns on protesters.

The group agreed that the unlawful actions of a few individuals should never be used to deny constitutional protections to those protesting peacefully.

Looking Ahead

One clear recommendation emerged from the discussion: future Coffee Bar sessions should include legal professionals who can explain arrest procedures, court processes, bail, criminal records, and constitutional rights in greater detail.

There was also consensus that civic education remains one of the most effective tools for empowering young people to participate confidently and responsibly in democratic processes.

Knowing Your Rights—and Using Common Sense

The conversation concluded with an important reminder.

While understanding the Constitution is essential, knowing your rights does not replace common sense.

Participants acknowledged that many citizens continue to encounter corruption, abuse of power, and unlawful policing. In such situations, remaining calm, documenting events where possible, seeking legal support, and avoiding unnecessary confrontation can often provide the safest path to justice.

Coffee Bar continues to provide a safe space where young people can ask difficult questions, share lived experiences, and deepen their understanding of the Constitution. As Kenya continues to grapple with questions of governance, policing, and civic participation, these conversations remain more important than ever.

Because an informed citizen is not only better protected—but also better equipped to protect the rights of others.

Last Tuesday, Coffee Bar didn’t just pop up, we pulled up with purpose. This time, it was Fuata Nyayo that got the mic. Deep in Nairobi South, where the vibes are raw, the stories run deep, and the fire for change still burns, that’s where we brought the conversation. No suits. No fluff. Just real people, real issues, and real solutions.

From the moment we landed, the message was clear: listen first. And what we heard? Eye-opening. The air was thick with honesty. The stories? Unfiltered. The energy? Unmistakably hopeful.

Insecurity came up fast not just as fear, but frustration. “It’s like no one sees us,” one young voice shared. But instead of staying in the struggle, the room pivoted to possibility. Enter: Mukuru Social Justice Centre. A name that kept surfacing as a potential powerhouse in restoring justice and dignity right here, where it’s needed most.

Then came the spicy part: What kind of MCA do you want?

The crowd didn’t flinch. They want a leader with mud on their boots, not just shine on their forehead. Someone who listens, walks with the people, delivers, and doesn’t go ghost after elections. Simple.

When we touched on opportunities, the truth bombs kept dropping. One young person put it plain:

“Some of us just want to be spoon-fed. But real change? You gotta show up for it.”

Others called out the gatekeeping culture, the way chances are hoarded in tight circles and private chats. Enough is enough. The people said it loud: Opportunities should be fair, open, and for everyone.

Then unity took the floor. The ideas? Electric. Teamwork, shared ownership, knowing each other’s strengths. And then one phrase stopped the room:

“Do me, I do you.”

That’s the spirit. Mutual support. Community accountability. Respect that goes both ways.

But here’s the heart of it: it’s time we shift from a street mentality to a community mentality. No more waiting to be invited. No more acting like guests in our own stories. We’re already at the table. Let’s eat, build, and win, together.

And here’s where it got even deeper…

MuYI didn’t just bring Coffee Bar Mtaani to Fuata Nyayo for a one-time vibe. We came to light a flame, and pass the torch. We’ve opened the door, but the walk? That’s now in your hands.

The vision? For the Nairobi Youth Network to take the reins and keep this thing alive. Weekly sessions. Consistent dialogue. Real conversations, real change. This can’t end when we leave, the fire must keep burning.

Because, as one person said:

“If we had more of these, the community would go far.”

They’re done with empty talk. They want spaces that matter. Coffee Bar Mtaani proved one thing: when people are heard, they show up, speak up, and step in.

The only question now is: Are we listening? And more importantly, are we continuing?

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Quote of the Day:

“The struggle should end with us.”

And with Fuata Nyayo leading the way, it just might.

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#CoffeeBarMtaani #FuataNyayoVoices #YouthForChange #MukuruSpeaks #FromTheGroundUp #KeepTheFireBurning #NairobiYouthNetwork #NoMoreEmptyTalk

We are seeking talented actors for an upcoming film that dives into the high-stakes world of politics, corruption, and grassroots activism. If you are passionate about storytelling and want to bring dynamic characters to life, this is your chance!

The Film is part of The “Sauti Za Mtaa” initiative a collaborative effort between the Mukuru Youth Initiative (MuYI) and Forum CIV under the Wajibu Wetu; Jumuika, Sikika! Programme, aimed at leveraging art for transformative social change within the Mukuru community. 

Available Roles:

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Lumumba – Male, 30-35 years old, Tall, Athletic and appealing – A charismatic, determined, and idealistic aspiring politician.

Wangari – Female, 27-30 years old, Medium height and pretty – Compassionate, fierce, and unwavering.

Jeff – Male, 25-30 years old, medium build, energetic – A fun-loving and optimistic character, Jeff is always dreaming big, fantasizing about the wealth and luxury.

Tai – Male, 25-30 years old, slim and athletic build – The practical and grounded friend of Lumumba.

Matano – Male, 40-50 years old, slightly overweight – An arrogant, corrupt political leader who uses manipulation to maintain power. Matano enjoys taunting his opponents and bending the rules to his advantage.

Meka – Female, 25-30 years old, Slim with dreads – Pragmatic and strategic, Meka is Lumumba’s close advisor and the brains behind the legal battle. He is the voice of reason in the campaign, staying focused on their mission.

Gits – Male, 30-35 years old,average height but with a muscular build – Outspoken, passionate, and energetic. Gits is a grassroots organizer who believes in the power of the people. He pushes for public demonstrations to challenge Matano’s rule.

Nora – Female, 23-27 years old, petite and slender– Quiet but brave, Nora is a former insider in Matano’s corrupt camp who decides to blow the whistle. She is conflicted but determined to do the right thing.

Chief – Male, 40-50 years old, A tall, slightly muscular build – A local law enforcer who uses his position to serve Matano’s interests. The Chief operates under the guise of upholding the law but bends it to Matano’s will, often turning a blind eye to injustices.

Desh – Male, 30-40 years old, broad-shouldered and muscular – Matano’s loyal but volatile henchman. Desh is quick to anger and eager to resort to violence to protect his boss’s interests.

Bartender (Nora’s Sister) – Female, 20-25 years old, Slim but curvy – Trapped in Matano’s web of corruption, she works as a bartender at his club, caught between fear and resignation. Despite her circumstances, she maintains a close bond with Nora and yearns for a way out.

MC – Male or Female, 30-40 years old, any build – The charismatic host of a community concert where political tensions rise. The MC navigates the event with ease, but underlying tensions bubble up as Matano’s forces move in.

Karimi – Female, 30-40 years old, Medium height preferably with a limp – A passionate advocate for change and equal rights, particularly for people living with disabilities (PWDs). Karimi is a community leader with a bold voice, and she stands firmly with Lumumba in his fight for justice.

The Judge – Male, 50-65 years old, A tall, dignified man with a slightly heavy build – A fair and impartial figure of authority who presides over the case between Lumumba and Matano. He takes his responsibility seriously and listens carefully to both sides..

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Supporting/Extra Roles

• Various roles available for community members, protesters, and goons. Perfect for those looking to gain experience on set.

How to Apply:

1. Submit a recent headshot, CV, and acting reel to: info@mukuruyi.org or whatsapp to 0718606149

Prepare a 1-2 minute monologue of your choice, or you may choose from selected scenes provided at the audition.