The youth have bitten the dust yet again

Deputy President Ragathi Gachagua believes in youths' potential for greatness. It's his conviction, and rightfully so, that young people hold the key to Africa's renaissance.

The DP says the youth will drive the 'dark' continent's grand march into the future in a fast-paced era of economic globalisation.

At the Africa YouthConnekt Africa Summit in Kigali last week themed 'Resilient youth, resilient Africa', Gachagua told delegates that with their 'creative age', they've what it takes to enliven the continent's dreams.

He paraded 24-year old Bomet Women Rep Linet Toto before the forum, terming her one of Kenya's miracles. Keen observers marveled at the prospects of political leaders embracing young leaders and allowing them space to be heard. It was Gachagua's big score at his first foreign foray as DP.

His powerful speech was, however, eclipsed by the naming of a Cabinet back home with no single young and fresh nominee. The irony was striking. Two questions emerged. How will the youth create 'the Africa we want' if no one appoints them to top decision-making organs like the Cabinet? And, is Gachagua's pro-youth stand only a tenuous grasp of reality?

In President William Ruto's Cabinet list, crafted with Gachagua's input, no one is below 35 yet ages 18 to 35 are 75 per cent of our population. For the umpteenth time, young technocrats and emerging leaders seem cast off. Why? They lack the so-called experience. They deserve no rewards. To cap it all, they come with zero political value.

While it's myopic to gauge people's capabilities on account of age, it is unfortunate to placate the youth that they hold the key to our emancipation yet we shun them in areas where their input matters. Pro-youth sentiments by politicians have mostly been flippant and bashful. The wait will be longer. The shunning of the youth in plum jobs embodies a cycle of doom yet they must fight for their space. With sobriety and 'collective conscience', the youth can push the limits even if appointing authorities and those touting power do not vouch for them.

The young people should spare no effort to prove their worth. Substance and commitment matters. Author Onyi Anyando says leadership isn't about age but rather, influence, impact and inspiration.

No one should suggest that because they are young, they are more deserving of leadership. As well, the older generation shouldn't use connections and 'experience' to suggest they are adept. It will be remembered that former President Kenyatta took the flak for dishing out plum jobs to retirees. He said he trusted the oldies more because of their financial discipline.

The youth, not just in Africa but everywhere, deserve space to prove their mettle. On this week's vetting 'entertainment' in Parliament, the voidness of the ritual was a no brainer. Kenyans who watched it on TV were not amused. Other than the stunning wealth revelations, it was a box ticking affair.

I agree with concerned patriots that we've teething problems and the law is one of them. While Chapter Six of our progressive Constitution is now at the mortician's table, it's resoundingly shocking that State agencies and processes are a creation of the law but the very law makes mincemeat out of them. Something has to give way.

The agencies are outfoxed in the prevailing situation. There's a frenzy and a mad rush to pedal back. The handling of high-profile graft cases by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has metamorphosed into a drama series complete with an ingenious script. As columnist Gabriel Oguda hilariously put it last week, some persons in the criminal justice system deserve space at the heroes' corner.

The writer is an editor at The Standard. Twitter: @markoloo