By Suleiman Mbatiah
Youths have been challenged to step up and seek elective positions, starting with the forthcoming byelections.
Geoffrey Mwangi said young people bear the brunt of many challenges in the country and must seize the opportunity to influence decisions at leadership tables.
The former NHIF boss was speaking during a Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) youth forum at the party’s Milimani offices in Nakuru City.
“It is time the youth made the right decision by having their own in decision-making spaces. Pick IDs, register as voters and turn up to vote,” Mwangi said.
He noted that the party was working on strategies to secure victory in the next General Election and that the involvement of young people was key to this goal.
Mwangi, who is vying for the Nakuru governorship, urged young aspirants not to shy away from contesting, saying their voices and perspectives were vital in shaping the country’s future.
The party’s Secretary for Planning and Economic Affairs, Dr Peter Mbae, urged the youth to help build the party by registering as aspirants or volunteers.
“I want to make it clear, not everyone will win the election, but the party will nominate those who lose, along with committed volunteers, to take up party positions and other roles,” he said.
As a senior party official from Nakuru County, Dr Mbae pledged to champion the region’s agenda to ensure it gets its rightful share in cabinet, ambassadorial, and parastatal appointments.
The party’s Nakuru secretary general Simon Ole Nasieku urged aspirants to avoid wrangles and help popularize the party in their undertakings.
“The party will conduct free and fair nominations. We want to ensure we have the best candidates, as picked by members, to face off the regime and form the next government,” he stated.
Youth leader Janet Moraa said young people should be well represented in the party, citing their large voting bloc, mobilization skills and energy during campaigns.
DCP Secretary General Hezron Obaga announced that the Nakuru office would set up a dedicated desk to handle youth affairs in the region.
Speaking by phone from the USA, DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua said he would hold a three-day meeting across Nakuru County once he returned to the country on August 21.
“I regret being unable to visit the scheduled remaining states since I need to get back home to join our party in preparation for the by-elections set for November,” Gachagua said in an earlier address.
Since its launch on May 15, the DCP party has attracted more than 1.8 million members and unveiled its first by-election candidates: Aden Mohamed for Banisa and Edgar Busiega for Malava.