In February, Powerslide released a cover of “Politicians In My Eyes”, a song first recorded in 1974 by DEATH, the Detroit band often credited as one of the earliest punk acts.
Their version keeps the structure of the original and places it against current events in Kenya. The video uses footage from the ‘maandamano’ protests, a series of demonstrations that have been taking place since 2024 and are largely driven by young people.
Vocalist and guitarist Willy Ojiro links the choice of song to what he sees as a constant across time: “Whether Detroit in 1974, or Kenya in 2026, one thing hasn’t changed – how politicians mistreat and exploit the people.”
The video shows scenes from the protests, where demonstrators have been speaking out against corruption, poor leadership, police brutality, and state sanctioned abductions. The protests have been described as peaceful, but police responses have grown more forceful, with reports pointing to hundreds of deaths.
“For too long we have been victims of corruption, poor leadership, police brutality, and state sanctioned abductions. This song is our battle cry”, Ojiro adds.
The footage focuses on younger protesters, many of them part of the Gen Z groups that have been visible in the demonstrations since they began.
With Kenya preparing for a general election in 2027, more young people are registering to vote.
“The power belongs to the people, and it’s time for us to take it back,” Ojiro says.
