Chief Justice David Maraga has warned youths against being used by politicians for selfish gains.
Maraga instead asked them to be agents of change and peace.
He noted that general elections continue to leave Kenya “highly divided with a trail of destruction” and challenged students and youths in the country to devise constructive ideas.
“In national politics, job creation and entrepreneurship have become a political tool. Over 70 per cent of Kenya’s population are youths and face major challenges including unemployment,” Maraga said.
He spoke at the University of Nairobi during the youth forum themed “Youth Uniting to Reclaim Kenya” that brought together students from various public and private universities.
The student-led initiative seeks to pathways to reclaim Kenya by uniting millions of jobless youths to tackle political, social and economic ills that continue to bedevil the nation.
The initiative is driven by the need for youths to champion national reconciliation, healing and unity.
Also present during the forum were the University of Nairobi chancellor Vijoo Rattansi, her United States International University –Africa counterpart Manu Chandaria, among other senior varsity officials.
Maraga pointed out that the youth have been used to orchestrate insecurity, violence, divisions and disruptions during elections and that there is a need to be involved fully in national development for the country to move forward.
“Some of us are about to exit the stage and youths will be required to take over the mantle. Do not allow to be used by anyone including myself and even your lecturers. We need to put our act together and move forward,” he said.
He affirmed that the youth have the potential to push political and all leadership processes to account while noting that the growing gap in exclusion and marginalization should be “revisited.”
The CJ said the famous handshake pact between President Uhuru Kenyatta and his political nemesis, the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, should be commended and augmented.
Chandaria, who is also a billionaire businessman, told the students and youths in the country that it is time to reclaim Kenya from ills it faces peacefully and intelligently.
“We need to find solutions. If you don't take the destiny of this country in your hands; who is going to take it?” he said.