As the country prepares for the next general elections, seasoned politicians have been cautioned against intimidating new and youthful aspirants who have shown ambitions for various elective posts.
Speaking at Nyoritis in Likuyani Sub County, nominated senator Daisy Kanainza instead urged the elderly and seasoned politicians to encourage and offer political advice and direction to those youth who have already declared interests in various elective posts.
“It is unfair for seasoned politicians to keep intimidating youths, and especially first timers in politics,” said Kanainza, who asked leaders to respect the current constitution, which she said, clearly spells out conditions and requirements for elective positions.
“Nowhere in our constitution has it been written that elective seats like members of the national assembly are a preserve for the elderly or seasoned politicians,” she pointed out.
Kanainza urged youthful aspirants, especially in Kakamega County who have already declared their interests not to be cowed by the elderly, but bravely fight in order to have a fair youthful representation in elective seats including ward representatives, women representative, members of national assembly, senatorial, gubernatorial and the presidency.
Lauding the decision by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to recruit clerks who will be in charge of registering voters, Kanainza urged youth who have attained 18 years and above to apply for national identity cards to enable them register and participate in the next general elections.
“The same should apply to all elderly persons who don’t have national identity and voters cards,” she added.