Nyamira Women Representative Alice Chae has accused area leaders of allegedly misusing youths in political rallies and funerals by buying them alcohol to interrupt opponents for their own political gains.
This comes in after a section of youths believed to be allied to County Governor John Nyagarama (who has since denied the claims) targeted a section of leaders during Cord leader Raila Odinga’s visit to the region.
Chae in a WhatsApp interaction with the reporter on Monday blamed leaders for using youths negatively by refueling them with alcohol to boo other leaders on political functions to serve their own egos.
“I want to condemn leaders who don’t have the interest of youths at heart but serving their own selfish interest at the expense of these poor youths by using them to interrupt other leaders in public rallies and funerals on just a cup of alcohol,” she said.
“It’s wrong to use these young men as goons whereas most of our children are busy elsewhere building their own future. As much as these leaders need to be felt, we must ensure that whatever we do transforms lives of these young people positively rather than misusing them,” she added.
She also challenged the youths to come up with entrepreneurial ideas that can be supported by her office through National Government Affirmative Action Fund rather than allowing politicians to misuse them by ferrying them to boo other leaders.
“My office, for instance, is helping youths through NGAAF and it’s important that they apply rather than being used inappropriately. They can build their future rather than sit and wait for politicians to use them in a wrong manner,” she said.