Murkomen: Gen Z are free to air constructive criticism

Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen durng the launch of Jukwaa la Usalama engagements in Meru county attended by county security teams, May 7, 2025. /MINA

Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen has said that the youth have a vital role in holding the government accountable.

The CS stated that "it is not a mistake to encourage the youth to push for good governance."

He further emphasised that constructive criticism from the youth can strengthen governance and invigorate economic progress.

However, Murkomen cautioned against manipulation of youth by individuals seeking to incite chaos for personal gain.

He said "the youth should be in the forefront in fighting graft and calling for good governance. This should be done without malice."

Murkomen's comments were in response to calls from former President Uhuru Kenyatta and his brother Muhoho Kenyatta, for youth to actively participate in governance and advocate for their rights.

Their statements sparked a national conversation on the role of youth in shaping Kenya's political future.

Murkomen is on his first leg of the Jukwaa la Usalama tour of Upper Eastern Region.

The CS is in Meru county where issues of banditry, human trafficking, boundary disputes, and drug abuse remain a menace.

Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen speaks during the launch of Jukwaa la Usalama engagements in Meru county attended by county security teams, May 7, 2025. /MINA

Murkomen said together with the county security team, they assessed the security situation in the county with a particular focus on the banditry and cattle rustling challenge in the northern part of the county.

"We also deliberated on other security concerns including boundary disputes between the county and its neighbors, drug and substance abuse, illicit brews and the proliferation of second-generation alcohol. We will seek convergence on strategies to combat these challenges in our Jukwaa la Usalama discussions that are underway at the Kinoru stadium," the CS said on X.

He remained categorical in his resolve to shield the youth from misuse by leaders with ill motives.

Murkomen stated that if the youth objectively call out the government in areas of fault, it will strengthen governance and provide fresh impetus to improve the economy.

Uhuru recently addressed the second annual Guild Leaders Summit at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda, where he urged young Africans to embrace self-reliance and active participation in governance.

He described the current period as an "independence moment," highlighting the youth as the "last line of defense" in safeguarding Africa's future.

The retired president emphasised the need for the youth to engage in governance discussions and effect meaningful change, noting that Africa's demographic advantage—over 65 per cent of its population under the age of 25—presents a unique opportunity to overcome cycles of division and corruption.

Muhoho on the other hand called on the youth to stand up and challenge the status quo in the country by taking over leadership positions, adding that the youth have for too long played second fiddle.

The businessman also slammed the current system of governance, which he says has for years been a stumbling block to the youth.