A group of students leaders in Universities within Uasin Gishu County have cautioned politicians from igniting tribal divisions in the higher education institutions in the name of soliciting votes.
The youth forum dubbed 'Tribe Kenya' stated that some political leaders and aspirants have began invading universities in a bid to seek votes ahead of the 2017 general elections that are using divisional tactics that have been overtaken by time.
“Some politicians want to spread the miasma of tribal politics in universities where we are supposed to reason logically and make informed democratic decisions. We have taken the responsibility to sensitize one another through all inclusive forums to counter this move,” said Jimmy Omasete, the group’s team leader.
According to Omasete, the youth’s voting bloc is getting bigger every year with most individuals in this group pursuing higher education, stating that it is wise they change the perception politicians hold about them.
Caroline Chebichii, a student of Moi University said youths have in previous elections and politicking seasons been used to perpetrate violence through incitement from the older politicians, a move which she said needs to be urgently prevented.
“During such occurrences, the youth end up being the largest casualties. It is sad some leaders are at it again, inciting youths on tribal and political affiliation grounds a vice which we will not sit and watch,” said Chebichii.
Timothy Odhiambo observed that universities should not be perceived as easy to manipulate voting hubs, but as institutions that have empowered persons with the will and ability to transform, unite and develop the country.
“Our association wants to overshadow the regional students’ associations that are basically tribal groups targeted by ethnic leaders to perpetrate hate instead of positive debate. We will be conducting objective debates on positive diversity across Universities Uasin Gishu before we move to Nyanza to tame this negative trend,” Odhiambo said.
The students called on the clergy, civil society organizations and learning institutions to deliberately put efforts of enhancing cohesion and peaceful coexistence kin order to curb politically and tribal instigated unrest and violence.