By Shamala Dauclas – Chairman, Kenya Youth Alliance.
Voters in the constituencies of Matungu (Kakamega County) and Kabuchai (Bungoma County) as well as in London and Kiamokama wards in Uasin Gishu and Kisii counties, respectively, are slated to go to the polls on Thursday, 4 March 2021 to elect the men or women who will fill the seats left vacant by their departed leaders.
These mini-polls have witnessed high-octane campaigns framed along the supremacy battles among the country’s political bigwigs as the nation readies itself for the referendum vote later this year and the 2022 General Elections.
As a youth leader, I call upon the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to play its referee role well by ensuring that the elections are conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner.
We are privy to reports that some staff of the electoral agency have been in contact with certain political players with a view of influencing the poll outcomes in certain directions, especially in Matungu and Kabuchai.
We want to remind the Wafula Chebukati-led team that we are keenly watching.
The voice of the voter must prevail. Voters must be assured that their votes will county, for the new leaders will be directly in-charge of the affairs of the people.
We also send a strong warning to politicians who are planning to incite young people to cause chaos and disruption during the process that we will not hesitate to take appropriate action within the law.
The era of capitalizing on young people’s joblessness to achieve selfish political ends is long gone.
In the same vein, I call upon the security apparatus at both the National and county levels to ensure that adequate security is provided before, during and after the elections.
Kenyans in these areas must be assured of their safety as they undertake their democratic duties.
To my fellow youths, I call on you to come out in large numbers and exercise your democratic right without undue influence from self-seeking leaders.
I must remind you that the choices you will make will have a strong bearing on the lives you want.
Make informed choices.
