Saboti MP Caleb Amisi has called for what he described as Kenya’s “fourth liberation”, a national push to achieve economic freedom after generations fought for independence, political pluralism and a new Constitution.
Speaking about the country’s political history and its future, Amisi said the responsibility now lay with a new generation of leaders to improve the economic lives of ordinary Kenyans.
“Our founding mothers and fathers gave us independence. They gave us multiparty democracy. They gave us a Constitution. Our task is to give the next generation economic freedom,” he said.
Amisi acknowledged that the task would be difficult. But he said Kenya’s history showed that major changes could be achieved through sustained effort.
“It will not be easy. It will take all of us. But it is possible,” he said.
From political freedom to economic freedom
Amisi traced Kenya’s political journey from the struggle against colonial rule to the campaign for multiparty democracy and, eventually, the adoption of the 2010 Constitution.
He cited figures including Koitalel Arap Samoei, Mekatilili wa Menza, Jomo Kenyatta, Oginga Odinga, Daniel arap Moi, Ronald Ngala and Paul Ngei in the independence struggle.
He also named Masinde Muliro, Oginga Odinga, Kenneth Matiba, George Anyona, James Orengo, Martha Karua and Paul Muite among those associated with the push for political pluralism.
The 2010 Constitution, he said, followed years of political struggle, negotiation and sacrifice involving leaders from different backgrounds.
“Now it is our turn. The fourth liberation is economic liberation,” Amisi said.
He argued that Kenya’s current difficulties including public debt, unemployment and political divisions — should not define the country’s future.
“Where you start does not decide where you finish,” he said.
Young people and the economy
Amisi pointed to the events of June 25, 2024, as evidence of the influence of Kenya’s younger generation on national affairs.
“It is possible because we have already seen the power of this generation,” he said, referring to the largely youth-led protests.
He said economic progress would require Kenya to expand its industrial base, reduce reliance on imported goods and create conditions that attract investment.
He also called for greater preparation of young people for an economy increasingly shaped by technology and artificial intelligence.
Public debt, he said, also required stronger management and closer scrutiny of public finances.
Amisi called for efforts to trace and recover money he alleged had been stolen, both within Kenya and abroad.
“Prosecute the corrupt, and be faithful to our Constitution,” he said.
A call to move beyond ethnic politics
For Amisi, economic freedom is also linked to national unity.
He argued that ethnicity should not determine who has the opportunity to lead Kenya or benefit from opportunities in the country.
“It is possible because we no longer have to be divided,” he said.
He said every community should have an equal opportunity to produce a presidential candidate.
“A Giriama, a Turkana, a Pokot, a Maasai, a Borana or a Taita deserves the same chance at the presidency as a Kikuyu, Luo, Luhya or Kalenjin,” he said.
His message was that the political gains made by previous generations should now be followed by efforts to improve livelihoods, expand opportunity and give young Kenyans greater economic prospects.
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