Makueni Youth Reject Political Violence, Demand Jobs and Accountability Ahead of 2027

Youth leaders from Makueni during a press briefing in Nairobi on Wednesday July 29, 2026

Youth leaders in Makueni County have warned politicians against using young people to perpetrate violence during the 2027 General Election, while demanding meaningful economic opportunities, accountable leadership and greater inclusion in decision-making.

Addressing the media, the youth accused political leaders of only remembering young people during election periods, saying the time had come for leaders to be judged by the impact they make on people’s lives rather than political rhetoric.

“Development cannot be measured by the number of launches, photographs and speeches. It must be measured by the number of lives permanently transformed by these programmes. Today, the youth of Makueni County are demanding a shift from politics of promises to politics of measurable results,” one of the youth leaders said.

The group also called for investment in value addition industries, stronger youth cooperatives, innovation hubs, vocational training and improved access to funding, arguing that processing locally produced agricultural goods within the county would create sustainable employment for thousands of young people.

The leaders further urged politicians to stop recruiting young people to engage in violence and intimidation, insisting that campaigns should be driven by ideas rather than criminal gangs.

“We are against politics of goonism, politics of violence and politics that divide people. Leaders should sell their ideologies to the people because that is what will matter in 2027. We will not allow this kind of politics to continue,” another youth representative said.

The movement also condemned harassment and exploitation of women in politics, saying female leaders continue to face intimidation, threats and sexual objectification whenever they seek leadership positions.

“We have really suffered in this political space where women are seen as instruments to be used. We are not going to stand by while our fellow women are harassed or killed. To every leader and every aspirant, you are not going to torture our girls or our women in the political space anymore,” a women’s representative said.

The youth concluded by calling on young people across Makueni to reject manipulation, participate in governance, hold leaders accountable and unite beyond political, religious and ethnic differences in pursuit of a more prosperous county.