Youths in plot to take over political leadership

Nyambega Gisesa, one of the organisers of the Nyamira County Youth summit addresses journalists outside Nyamira Police Station shortly after he and other four colleagues were released after being questioned. The youth accused the County Government for using Police to harass them. PHOTO: STANLEY ONGWAE/STANDARD.

Youthful election aspirants are planning a major political shake up in the county.

The positions attracting many young contenders include seats in the county assembly and the Senate.

Two contenders aged 25 and 32 are looking to take on senior Senate politicians in the August elections.

Walter Mounde and Timothy Rioba have vowed to work hard to beat Kiangoi Ombasa, who is now in his 60s, Eric Okong'o Mong'are, who is in his late 40s, and Mose Nyambega who is in his 50s.

Mr Rioba will be wrestling Mr Ombasa for the Jubilee Party ticket while Mr Mounde seems assured of an Amani National Congress party ticket.

Mounde said his entry into the senatorial race was motivated by the fact that the county needed youthful leaders in order to catch up with the rest of the country.

"We do not need any other force to change this county except the power we have as young people, who are the most affected by many issues. The old politicians pretend to have our interests at heart while overlooking these issues for the sake of their own personal interests," said Mounde.

A talented orator, Mounde believes the youth, who form more than 75 per cent of the county's population, will have a say if they are well mobilised on the need to have one of their own represent their interests at Senate level.

VISION 2030

Rioba on the other hand is a Kenya Certified Public Accountant whose CV indicates that he has worked with international audit firm PricewaterhouseCoopers. He wants to be part of the youthful generation that will steer the country towards Vision 2030.

The Kenyatta University graduate said he would ensure he fought hard against Ombasa for the Jubilee Party ticket in the primaries.

He is also of the belief that only youthful leaders can take on the various challenges both the old and young generations face.

Apart from the Senate seat, West Mugirango constituency has attracted five youths, among them Dennis Anyoka, Vinicent Kemosi, James Mamboleo and Steve Mogaka. They believe they can make an impact in the constituency's leadership.

MCA slots have also attracted immense interest from young people, who want to do things differently in the county assembly.

According to Douglas Onyari, 32, it is high time communities took up the development agenda by voting in young people who know the various aspects of their challenges.

Journalist Nyambega Gisesa, who is hoping to be the Rigoma ward MCA, noted the low representation of youths across the country, which he attributed to poor political leadership by seasoned politicians.

"We must ensure that young people take leadership opportunities so they can steer their own liberation," he said.