A section of Kenyan youths has launched a national movement to condemn politicians' schemes to unleash terror on perceived critics. The movement, dubbed Sitatumika (I will not be used), aims to prevent the use of youths to cause chaos in the run-up to the 2027 elections. The campaign was launched in Eldoret, with plans for a national launch in Nairobi. The youths vowed to resist attempts to deploy them to cause violence.
The founder of the movement, Aaltonen Jumba, stated that the campaign targets the establishment of teams that will run peaceful campaigns in counties ahead of the grand launch in December. He condemned any form of violence against leaders, private entities, or institutions. The movement seeks to change the mindset of youths from violence to causing change through the ballot. Jumba added that the youth have been used by politicians to cause violence during electioneering periods for years.
The campaign leadership, including Kevin Kibore, emphasized the importance of youth leadership and promoting change through voting rights. Kibore noted that Eldoret has previously witnessed deadly skirmishes, but the movement will push for the use of voting rights to bring change. Another youth movement leader, Maryanne Nyuncha, encouraged youths across the 47 counties to embrace idea-based politics. The Sitatumika campaign started in Bungoma and will visit the remaining counties.
Maurice Werunga, a youth leader, warned that youths will be the losers if the country slips into election violence. He emphasized that building a country takes decades, but it takes a few hours of violence to destroy it. Uasin Gishu Public Service Chief Officer Paul Wangwe supported the youth-led campaigns, stating that they will be critical in preventing election-related mayhem. Wangwe encouraged youths to be resourceful in ideas and positive influence as the elections approach.
Gospel Ministers Association member Dr. Joe Omondi welcomed the campaign, saying destruction of property and crime will not position youths as leaders. He added that it is irresponsible for leaders to use youths to cause chaos. Omondi stated that Kenyan youths are not violent but are used by selfish political leaders to cause skirmishes during election periods.
The Sitatumika campaign aims to rally young people against political violence and promote peaceful elections. The movement's leaders believe that youths have the power to bring change through the ballot. They plan to visit all 47 counties to spread their message and encourage youths to participate in the electoral process.
The launch of the Sitatumika campaign is a significant step towards preventing election violence in Kenya. The movement has gained support from various stakeholders, including government officials and religious leaders. As the 2027 elections approach, the campaign's impact on promoting peaceful elections and youth leadership will be closely monitored.
Key points
- * The Sitatumika campaign aims to prevent the use of youths to cause violence during the 2027 elections. * The movement seeks to change the mindset of youths from violence to causing change through the ballot. * The campaign will visit all 47 counties to spread its message and encourage youths to participate in the electoral process.
