Youth are at risk of being used for destructive purposes

The electoral commission announced the next General Election’s date and the youth are at risk of being used for destructive purposes.

Chief Justice Willy Mutunga issued a warning that drums of violence are being beaten by our carefree politicians. But are youths going to be used by politicians to perpetrate violence again?

Each election year, it has become the norm for politicians to use young people to intimidate, maim and even kill their rivals, a phenomenon that went a notch higher in the 2007 elections leaving scores dead.

Youths seem to be only useful to politicians in scaring away potential rivals and not at the resource-sharing table. This year alone we have witnessed large numbers of youths escorting political leaders in solidarity to record statements with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.

Why are politicians not picking the elderly, women or children?

With each ruling regime failing to honour its pledge to youths, the glaring desperation for survival emanates into feelings of betrayal and loss of trust in the ruling class. It is therefore honourable for politicians to stop using youths for their selfish gains.

The destiny of youths lies in their own hands. Only they can shape their future and that of Kenya, not by being used to cause violence and mayhem but through their vote.

The youth must realise the power of the ballot and its significance. There is need for the youth to exploit the goodwill that the Constitution offers to redefine their place in the country’s leadership by vying for various leadership positions in the next elections.

It is only sober decisions, guided by the need for change at the ballot, that can save the youth from being used to cause chaos.

There should also be more ways to help youths other than the Government’s Youth Enterprise Fund.

As we approach the electioneering period, youths must use this time as a defining moment.