Governor Ndeti urges Machakos youth to shun political violence

Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has urged youth not to allow themselves to be misused by politicians to engage in violence among other forms of crime.

Ndeti told the youth and other Machakos residents to always preach and maintain peace.

She further called for continued peaceful co-existence for both personal and communal growth.

She warned them about the consequences of engaging in crime and the benefits of keeping off from unlawful acts in society.

“No mother wishes to give birth and their child ends up getting killed. Don't accept to be friends with politicians who call you to come out and engage in unlawful activities," she said.

Ndeti spoke during a public participation forum on proposed amendments to the Machakos County Youth Empowerment Act (2024) in Athi River, Mavoko Subcounty on Monday.

“Whoever tells you to go and engage in unlawful practices doesn't love you but is out to destroy you. I am your mother, have you ever heard me tell you to come out and engage in unlawful activities?" she posed.

She told Gen Zs not to steal or destroy other people’s property in case they chose to go to the streets on August 8, 2024.

“If you steal or destroy people’s property, you will be injured, and it won’t be good,” Ndeti said.

Ndeti said as a governor, she was committed to ensuring that Machakos youth were empowered through good policies and life-changing projects.

She said it was their duty as public servants to prioritise accountability, transparent funds management and fulfill their commitment as entrusted by the electorate.

“The youth have been actively advocating for better governance. Recognising the significant role of young people in governing the country and Machakos County, we are dedicated to implementing the Machakos County Youth Empowerment Act 2024,” Ndeti said.

Ndeti added: “We are initiating amendment through the Machakos County Youth Empowerment Bill 2024. Article 55 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 requires affirmative action to provide young people with access to education, political participation, empowerment and protection from harmful practices.”

“I’m here to discuss the proposed changes to the Act in response to youth demands for better governance,” Ndeti said.

She said the Act includes the establishment of Machakos County Service with specific functions, creation of Machakos Youth Empowerment Fund and formation of Machakos County Youth Council with two representatives from every ward.

Ndeti said once the public participation forums are concluded, the Bill will be taken to the Machakos County Assembly and if passed by the legislators, her administration will implement the proposed activities.

Ndeti said views by youth such as their proposal for either a six or 12-month grace period to the proposed Machakos Youth Empowerment Fund beneficiaries will be incorporated in the amendments before the Bill gets to the county assembly.

She warned public servants against awarding bursaries to themselves, relatives or friends.

She said the process must be transparent for the needy and vulnerable populace to benefit thereby achieving the fund’s purpose.

Ndeti told the youth to register for her administration’s ‘Ng’arisha Mtaa’ initiative for consideration as one of her efforts to address joblessness in the county.