As the August 9 election nears, youths are joining politics with the hope of winning an elective seat and making a difference in the lives of Kenyans.
Among these ambitious individuals are fresh graduates from various universities across the country. Notably, some have previously served as student leaders during their campus days and want to try national politics.
Those who spoke to kenyans.co.ke, shared their dreams and expectations, even as different political outfits endear themselves to the youths by waiving or slashing nomination fees.
Aisha Said Ibrahim
24-year-old Aisha Said Ibrahim hails from a minority community in Kenya, the Nubi. She is vying for the Member of County Assembly, MCA on the United Democratic Alliance, (UDA) in Makina ward of Kibra constituency.
The former student leader at Kenyatta University graduated in 2019 with a bachelor of arts degree in Gender and Development Studies. While at KU, Aisha served as the Gender and Special needs Secretary in KUSA, the students' body.
Aisha has been actively involved in women empowerment programs and donating sanitary towels to the less fortunate girls in the society.
"Let's elect leaders based on their capability to serve and lead effectively. Also despite our different political affiliations let's practice tolerance. Elections come and go but one brotherhood remains," Aisha stated.
Solomon Muthomi Mbaabu
He is 23 years old and an alumni of the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, JKUAT. Solomon is eyeing an MCA seat Karama ward, Tigania East Constituency. The former congress speaker for the Jomo Kenyatta University Student Association, JKUSA is a 2021 graduate of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Muthomi, an initiator of the Jesus is our Driver slogan believes in servant leadership and points out that a party is just but a means to get there. He reiterates that his expectations are for Kenyans to rise above the politics of handouts.
"I want my people to elect me and not a party cause a party is just a vehicle to get you to that destination, it is a leader who serves not the Party. I expect Karama people to rise above the politics of money, character assassination, name-calling, and vote for a future, their future, their children's future," stated Muthomi.
Lewis Morio Morio Nyambegera
The 24-year-old is an aspirant for the Dagoreti North Member parliamentary seat. He wants to replace the vocal lawmaker and incumbent Simba Arati who is said to be considering a gubernatorial position. The recent graduate of Community Resource Management from Kenyatta University is pursuing his Masters degree in International Relations at the United States International University (USIU-Africa).
Morio Morio who believes that the time for youths to be heard is ripe is eying the position through the DAP-K party.
"The conversation around youthful leadership occupying public office is ripe. The youth have made up their minds not to be used as crowds for hire anymore. Their voice will count," reiterated Morio Morio.
Silas Guya
A fresh graduate of International Relations and Diplomacy with IT from Maseno University, Guya is eyeing the MCA position for North Seme ward in Kisumu county through an ODM ticket. The 28-year-old entrepreneur has previously worked at Safarilink and Kerocho Breweries. Guya is a basketballer and the captain of the Kisumu Lakeside team.
