Marco Laboso, Daystar University Student Association (DUSA) President impressed Kenyans and a section of MPs with his political rhetoric on the Building Bridges Initiative, corruption and the country's governance.
Marco is the son of the late Lorna Laboso, former Sotik MP and Assistant Minister. After his mother's death in a 2008 plane crash, he was adopted by his aunt - the late Bomet Governor Joyce Laboso.
The 22-year-old was interviewed by Citizen TV anchor Jeff Koinange alongside other student leaders, Antony Manyara (Kenya University Students Organization - KUSO), Njoki Kariuki (JKUAT) and Ikram Amina (Kenyatta University).
"I was 9-years when my mother passed away. I was doing my homework when I heard my sister wailing. She asked me to pray, further bewildering me. I learnt later that my mum passed away," Marco recalled adding that her mother's journey pushed him to embrace politics.
The young politician stated that the recent by-elections in Kenya signified that Kenyans are awake and are voting against trends. He argued that constituents are focusing on transformative leaders who will embrace development and have track records as evidence of their years in office.
"BBI is in ICU. With or without it, Kenya has to move in a certain way. We understand that there are aspects that will uplift the youth but others won't. However, let us respect the decision of the judges. Let us find ways to implement clauses that are good and dump those that are controversial," Marco urged.
Manyara urged the youth to desist from being influenced and coerced by politicians. The former University of Nairobi (UoN) Student Leader argued that the older politicians should realise the potential in the youth rather than taking advantage of naive voters.
KUSO President, Manyara, the chairman of all students in Kenya added that he had forwarded six petitions in the National Assembly to overturn a bill by Garissa Town MP Aden Duale. The Universities Amendment Act (206), he stated, infringes on the right of students as they can no longer vote for student leaders directly but through delegates.
This is among the many actions he had undertaken to fight for the right of comrades.
"The bylaws should be in tandem with the law of the country, the law of the country in Kenya is popular vote but ours in universities is the delegate system, that in its entirety is illegal," Ikram Amina added.
The student leaders also lauded the Judicial Service Commission on the appointment of CJ-Elect Martha Koome. Koome will be the first lady to hold the office.
"It is the year of ladies and she deserves it," KU's Amina stated with Kariuki stating that Kenya's democracy was maturing owing to more women coming into power.
Laboso's son and his colleagues' sentiments attracted nationwide praise with Kenyans stating that the young politicians are mature and understand the changing political landscape in Kenya.
"As a young MP, I'm delighted to see the youth actively taking part in the running of our nation. Ikram Amina, Anthony Manyara, Njoki, Marco Laboso, what a bench! The youth are no longer the leaders of tomorrow, We are the leaders of today," Molo MP Kuria Kimani tweeted.
