Kisumu youthful aspirants tell 'veterans politicians' to address issues and shun violence

Philip Pande, the Kisumu County Senatorial Aspirant address a meeting in the recent past. The Youthful aspirants in Kisumu County have told veteran politicians to address issues affecting the common man and shun violence-Photo Courtesy.

By Dickson Odhiambo

July 26, 2021

Kisumu youthful aspirants tell 'veterans politicians' to address issues and shun violence  

A number of youthful aspirants in various political positions in Kisumu County in the forthcoming General elections next year have told ‘veteran politicians’ in the county to strictly address issues that affects the common man and shun violence at all cost.

The emerging leaders and young political aspirants, drawn from all parts of Kisumu County say  the political players should address themselves to current issues affecting the common man which is unemployment, poverty and high cost of living.

Led by Kisumu County Senatorial Aspirant Philip Pande, the youthful aspirants in a press statement to the news rooms have condemned what they have termed as unfortunate and barbaric events that occurred on Saturday  in Muhoroni constituency during the burial of a senior county assembly staff and Arch Bishop of the Legion Maria of African Church Mission Arch Bishop Lazarus Obera where chaos rocked the funeral program as some supporters of politicians clashed leading to the death of one person who was stabbed.

“It is grievous that man was publicly butchered in the sights of mourners and blood spilled on altar and sacred vestments of the clergy. Many also came out with injuries. Sincere and deepest condolences to the family of the lost life. We also wish quick recoveries to the injured. Our regrets to the church,” says the youthful aspirants in a press statement.

 They say violence in all its configuration has no territory in Kisumu County and in the modern world, adding that they stunned to learn that the perpetrators and masters of chaos and confusion are people who are considered 'political veterans'.

“They have shamelessly perfected the duty to use young and vulnerable men for their selfish interests. What a call ouslot! A very compelling reason why we must send them all home and replace the rickety hooligans with young visionary professionals with the capacity to respond to the most pressing social challenges in our community,” they add.

They have called for tolerance, peaceful co-existence, calm and ideology-led campaigns as the country approaches General Elections next year.

“Not bloodshed and cleaning of ill-gotten wealth. We urge our young people to shun turmoil. Refuse to perform odd jobs in the electioneering period and offer yourselves as electable grassroots change drivers or shapers of our destinies. If people have to fight, let the politicians do it with their manifestos,” they further say.

They have urged youth to shun violence and not to be misused by politicians for their selfish gains before and during electioneering period.

“If a leader sends anyone out to disrupt and destroy anything please ask them to begin with their homes, families and property. No life is worth risking for people whole as to care about you,” they say.

 They further urge the youth to use their energy  to constructively produce dignified incomes, adding they must deploy their numbers to defeat corrupt leaders at the ballot come next year.

“As the young aspirants, we believe that campaigns will be about issues, practical solutions and good governance. We will also not be part of any individual or group that promotes pandemonium to ascend to power,” they further say.

They have called upon the DCI and Director of public prosecutions to act speedily to apprehend and charge suspects in the Muhoroni incident, adding that funerals must not be turned into full political platforms for politicians' agenda but use the short time accorded to address important issues while maintaining dignity and respect for the departed.

The youthful aspirants sentiments comes barely a day after Kisumu County ODM Party Chair Prof Patrick Ayiecho Olweny suggested that politicians should never be given chance to speak in funerals in future.

The Youthful aspirants include Philip Pande aspiring Kisumu County Senator, Michael Raphael Kolwa Central ward Aspirant, Adede Sheshe and George Abwajo who are aspirants in Kaloleni/Shauri Moyo and Market/Mlimani wards respectively.

Others include Emmanuel Opiyo Nyalenda B ward aspiring MCA, Miriam Abdala aspiring MCA Kaloleni/Shauri Moyo ward, Celestine Oginga  and Brian Jobita aspirants at Kolwa Central and Nyalenda A wards among others from various wards in Kisumu County.