By MN Reporter
Youths from the minority Kuria community have distanced themselves from installing of senator Ochilo Ayacko as an elder of the community, which is seen as an endorsement for his governor bid in 2022 general elections.
Last week, elders from the community endorsed Ayacko and gave him ‘Mwita’ name which is seen as a big boost ahead of 2022 general elections as he seeks to replaced governor Okoth Obado when his term ends.
Led by John Chacha Mosabi aka Mnati in a press conference in Kehancha Town on September 5, the youths said they were only shocked when they realised the event was done through media and social media platforms.
“We were never consulted and as youths we were left out. We call on Ayacko and other governor aspirants not to take the endorsement as a complete gesture of how the community will vote in the next general elections,” Mnati said.
The youth leader said they expect Ayacko and other aspirants to directly come and consult with the youths and other stakeholders and not to solely rely on the elders endorsement.
“Ayacko came here severally to seek for vote from the Kuria community as governor in 2017 and when he elected as a senator in a by-elections, if he wants to come for the third time he should bring all people on board especially youths. The elders’ endorsement is not binding,” Mnati said.
He said youths and the Kuria community never benefited much from the outgoing administration of governor Okoth Obado as those employed never brought any meaningful development.
“We have executives who are like big dogs without any teeth, we need the next governor to give us meaningful agenda as a community and these are the things we will discuss not only with Ayacko, but the next aspirants who will knock on our door,” Mnati said.
He said as youths they will still welcome all governor aspirants and any leader seeking their votes ahead of 2022 general elections.
“As youths we have our leaders like Mnati, we need these leaders to be placed in any negotiation table to safeguard our interests,” Mary Bonyinge Chacha, a a youth saud.
Her sentiments were echoed by Denis Matiko and John Mogesi who said they were shocked by the endorsement which they said was done like thieves.
“We are still in shock why we were left out, we have our grievances as youths which unless they are addressed through our leaders will not be binding by what the elders did,” Matiko said.