Machakos Governor dismisses 'militia' tag, defends youth program

Governor Wavinya with Machakos Youth Empowerment program finalists at Kyemutheke Vocational Training centre in Mavoko Sub-County. [Erastus Mulwa]

Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has dismissed a section of political leaders opposed to the Machakos Youth Empowerment program and declared she will remain focused on transforming thousands of Machakos youth through skills training.

Speaking on Friday at Kyemutheke Vocational Training College while presiding over the completion ceremony of the first cohort of 1,000 youth who have benefited through the program, Wavinya urged the trainees to pursue their life dreams with courage and turn a deaf ear to the prophets of doom.

"My children are not militia. They are experts in various fields. This message should go out to those leaders who labelled them as such, and shame be on them. Indeed, I am charging you to go out there and take leadership in the community because you have the discipline, courage and skills," Governor Wavinya said.

Two months ago, a section of MCAS critical of the governor's development program for the youth had sensationally claimed the youth empowerment program was designed to groom militia for the governor's political overtures.

But a tough-talking Wavinya said she will not be distracted by busybodies who have no agenda in changing the livelihoods of the youth. "Today, I am proud to see these young men and women walk into the future with hope. I will continue with the program because my agenda is clear-cut. I call upon the youth to ignore the noises and focus on building their careers," she said.

Her sentiments were echoed by her deputy, Francis Mwangangi, who, while presiding over a similar ceremony at Kaluluini Vocational Training centre in Yatta Sub-County, termed the 'militia' tag an irresponsible pronouncement by leaders.

"How can an honourable member of the county assembly brand our youth militia? We must get politics out of this program and focus on helping our children. As for the governor and her leadership, we will do everything possible to empower the youth and connect them with opportunities both locally and internationally," said Mwangangi.

Mwangangi noted that the various market-driven vocational courses pursued by the trainees will open up great employment opportunities. "This training is critical in instilling discipline among young people, and our country requires such responsible citizens to grow the economy," he said.

Stephanie Kyalo from Mutituni Ward, who was pursuing Events and DJ courses, expressed her gratitude for being offered an opportunity to pursue her career of choice. "I thank the governor for allowing us to empower ourselves. Before joining the program, I was jobless, but now I have a skill and very soon I will break through in life," she said.

Another beneficiary, Gregory Musau from Mumbuni North Ward, termed the program beneficial for the youth. "We are very grateful for what the governor did for us. Some of us came from the streets, and the governor was able to spot us and come to our rescue," he said.

Similar ceremonies were conducted at Mitaboni VTC, Masii VTC Katuluni VTC, where county ministers, Joel Nzomo (Devolution), Nathaniel Nganga (Lands) and Catherine Mutanu (Agriculture) represented the governor.