Young aspirants from Kisii have told elderly politicians not to underrate them ahead of the August 9 polls.
The aspirants said they have the qualifications to battle it out with bigwigs who have been holding political offices for years.
Zachary Tinega, 28, who spoke on behalf of the youth on Wednesday in Kisii is seeking to unseat Bomachoge Borabu MP Zadock Ogutu.
He said they have a chance of winning in various positions since the youth are many.
“We have what it takes to compete with our elderly politicians but we get disadvantaged during campaigns because of financial challenges," Tinega said.
He also said the IEBC should extend their April 10 deadline for aspirants to obtain the relevant documents.
“It takes a lot of time to obtain KRA, HELB, EACC and DCI clearance documents,” Tinega said.
The medic said youths should vote in their colleagues when the right time comes without considering their financial status.
“I am urging our youth to turnout in large numbers and vote,” he said.
His sentiments were echoed by Geoffrey Keraka, a resident from South Mugirango constituency.
Kereka said the youth who have been contending for various seats have been undermined for years and it is time they are given the opportunity.
On Tuesday, Kiogoro MCA Samuel Apoko called for peaceful campaigns.
Apoko is seeking to succeed Richard Tong’i as Nyaribari Chache MP.
He said the electorate will elect leaders based on their agenda and ideologies and not by using abusive language.
“I am urging those eyeing to succeed Tong’i to engage in issue based politics. They should avoid derogatory statements during their campaigns,” Apoko told the Star on phone.
Others eyeing the Nyaribari Chache seat are veteran journalist Eric Obino, Tong’i, James Kenani, Zaheer Jhanda, Vincent Sagwe, and Chris Bichage.
Aspirants are rushing to defect to others parties before the deadline given by IEBC.
(Edited by Bilha Makokha)
