Kenya shouldn’t bleed for politicians to lead, Varsity students say

Machakos University students have called on their counterparts across the country to be peace ambassadors during this electioneering period.

The students through their lobby group christened Kenya Students Forum, Machakos University chapter said the youth should desist from political misuse to cause violence against fellow Kenyans.

“We are here to preach peace. We as the youth shouldn’t be used to cause commotion or violence in the country,” Kenya Students Forum chairperson and Machakos University student Jerry Bade said.

The students addressed the press at Machakos University on Wednesday.

They were from different political affiliations supporting various presidential candidates and politicians contesting for various seats across the country.

The forum’s secretary general Roseline Shitiro told female youths to take part in peace sensitization wherever they are in the country.

“We are here to tell all female youths that, yes. We can go vote for leaders regardless of who will win, we have to maintain peace,” Shitiro said.

Phillian Masese said it’s the youths’ duty to remain peaceful.

“It is our duty as learned youth to go home and educate our parents on the need to peacefully coexist. Say no to violence,” Masese said.

Godwin Okwaro said Kenyans should be ready to accept the election results regardless of whoever wins the Presidency.

The students said they were representatives of over 5,000 students from the university and all who were involved in sensitizing Kenyans on peaceful coexistence ahead of the August 9 polls.

Machakos University has a student population of 13, 000.

Bade said the forum had a representation of all communities from all the 47 counties.

“As youths of this country, we are here to preach peace since violence can not only lead the country into commotion but also to a standstill."

"My message to all university students across the country is to join hands with their communities and sensitize the populace on the need to peacefully co-exist,” Bade said.

Students Association of Machakos University secretary general Joseph Oduor said the country can remain peaceful before, during and after the general elections if youths chose to be peaceful countrywide.

“ Let’s sensitize Kenyans on the need to coexist as supporters of different political leaders and affiliations,” Oduor said.