Mombasa, KENYA: Civil society groups in Mombasa in partnership with local community policing leaders have urged the youth in Changamwe sub- county to uphold national cohesion and integrity as the nation gears towards the August elections.
Addressing a community awareness meeting with community policing officials at Bomu Primary School on Thursday, Ali Fujo a project assistant from Haki Afrika, urged the youth to vote in focused leaders with development agenda come August, adding that their decisions will have a greater impact even after the elections.
He urged political leaders to respect all Kenyans during the campaign period saying that some of them have a habit of misusing the youths to press for their political agenda.
“Some of our leaders have a habit of misdirecting our youth in order to push their political agenda. That will call for our carefulness.” He said
At the same time Jane Mwawughanga, a community health volunteer in the area, urged the youth to engage in meaningful activities that will enable them live harmonious lives.
She pointed out that Kenyan should learn a lesson from the previous disputed elections where hundreds of Kenyans lost their lives while thousands were displaced.
“The youths should engage themselves in meaningful activities that will enable them to live good lives. Kenyans should learn a lesson from the previous general elections.” She uttered
She said that the interests of the country are greater than the interest of an individual and therefore urged the youth to ensure that there is prevailing peace in the country.
On the other hand, Mishi Munyiva a Sauti ya Wanawake member urged women to avoid being misused by self seeking politicians who look at their own interests against those of the public.
She highlighted that women have a prime role to play as far as family matters are concerned and therefore unwise for them to concentrate on unworthy political course.
“I urge women to avoid being misused by politicians who look at their own interests. Women a have major role to play as far as family issues are concerned. I believe it is so unworthy for women to engage in political mishaps.” She added.
Mishi said mothers are the backbone of the nation and and should not present themselves cheaply before self seeking politicians.
Erick Kasyoki a community policing officer urged all the security agents in the country to beef up security in all the corners of the country so that the country will enjoy peace before, during and after the elections.
He claimed that Kenyans have a habit of being divided along political lines which hinders the socio economic and political frame work in the country.
“I urge all our security agents in this country to ensure that peace prevails before during and after the elections. As Kenyan we have a habit of being divided along tribal lines which I believe should be stopped.” He said.
The candidates will contest for various political seats including presidential, gubernatorial, senatorial, parliamentary, women representatives and ward representatives.
According to the Kenyan constitution general election should be held on the second Tuesday in August in the fifth year.
