Youths told to shun incitement to violence ahead of polls

Youths within Kisumu central sub county have been told to be cautious and refuse to be used by politicians to cause violence during this electioneering period.

The youths were urged to desist from all forms of violence and promote peace ahead of the polls.

Speaking to the media during a meeting with youths within the sub-county on Wednesday, Annet Obat an officer at Transform Empowerment for Action Initiative (TEAM) noted that it was time for the youths to know their roles and the kind of leaders to elect.

“Today we have met youths from the sub county, and taken them through the importance of maintaining peace during this electioneering period and how to make informed choices during this period."

She noted that they will also talk to aspirants to ensure that they are the first peace ambassadors anytime they are out to meet the electorates to sell their agendas and seek their votes.

The youths who were part of the meeting echoed her sentiments of desisting from being used to promote electoral violence.

They said leaders are chosen by God and those using violence to get to power have no agenda for their people.

They also urged politicians not to take advantage of desperate youths by hiring them to perpetrate violence.

“We want to tell politicians and influential people to stop taking advantage of the youths. Let's all embrace peace during this period," Irene Awuro Otieno from Kondele ward said.

Solomon Asuga said, “We have decided as youths this time round to elect leaders who will bring change that we need, and not leaders who will after election leave us without any developments".

On her part, Mercy Anyango said youths should embrace each other and not let politics devide them.

TEAM is implementing the program across different sub counties within Kisumu county.

They have also held meetings in Seme and Muhoroni.