Kisumu youth vow not to be used for ‘political journeys’

By Peter Ochieng

Youth in Kisumu County under the Young Leaders Caucus umbrella have decried what they term as being used by politicians while seeking for political seats, only to be ‘dumped’ after landing in various offices.

Addressing the press in Kisumu on Saturday, led by Seth Okumu, the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) youth president in the Lakeside County, they said they intend to change the narrative of young people being left at the doorstep.

“For a long time, youth have been used in every political journey, but upon those that we support getting into the offices that they hold, then the youth are left at the doorstep. We are here to change that narrative,” said Okumu.

He said they want to drive their own future, without being swayed left and right. “We are here to say that as the youth, the largest population in this country we will no longer be used for political journeys then we are abandoned at the door. We are taking this initiative so that we drive our own future. We are taking this journey so that whatever the youth desires, we are able to sit down as the youth, decide the political direction we want to take and then we walk that journey.”

On her part, Valentine Anyango Otieno, Kisumu Young Leaders Caucus interim chairperson said the bigger picture is to ensure that as many youths a possible get elected in 2027, in Kisumu County and beyond. “We have come to ensure that going forward, come 2027 we see a lot of young people securing a lot of seats in this county.”

The caucus brings together young people from all the 35 wards of Kisumu County.

Jeronim Obwar referenced the caucus to a movement, adding that they are determined to champion issues to do with leadership, climate change and youth development among others, with a view of changing the mindset of young people.

“This is a movement that gonna change the way Kisumu County runs. It gonna bring a mindset change to the youth of Kisumu County. This movement gonna change the narrative about the young people of Kisumu County.”

The budding leaders urged Kisumu Senator Professor Tom Ojienda, Internal Security Principal Secretary (PS) Raymond Omollo and ICT and the Digital Economy CS Eliud Owalo, among others to hold their hands, and champion their issues.