Kisumu County Commissioner Ramadhan Mwabudzo has urged young people to reject political violence and take an active role in shaping Kenya’s democratic future by registering as voters.
Mwabudzo said the youth should engage in issue-based politics ahead of the 2027 general election.
Speaking during a political parties engagement forum in Kisumu that brought together youths from various political parties across the Nyanza region, he said young people had a crucial role to play in the country’s electoral process.
“We are laying the groundwork and starting a dialogue that will continue as we move towards the 2027 elections. Young people must participate in elections and leadership, not be used for violence,” he said.
Mwabudzo said political competition was a normal part of democracy but should not result in unrest, destruction of property or loss of life.
He urged youths to emulate political leaders who often maintain cordial relations despite belonging to rival political camps.
“Those politicians who sometimes use the youth for political battles sit together, have tea and remain friends. The youth should also learn to engage in politics without fighting one another,” he said.
The county commissioner cautioned young people against being drawn into political conflicts, noting that they often bear the consequences while politicians move on after elections.
The forum focused on electoral preparedness, youth inclusion in political processes, civic education and peaceful participation in elections.
Nyanza regional coordinator in the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, Ezekiel Obonyo, stressed the importance of youth participation in campaigns and elections while maintaining peace and security.
“Without the youth, there will be no campaigns and there will be no crowds. That is why we want them to act responsibly and remain a force in shaping the leadership of this country,” he said.
Obonyo said stakeholders in the region were keen to change perceptions linking young people to political unrest during election periods.
“We want the youth of Kisumu and the entire Nyanza region to become role models in peaceful political participation and demonstrate that politics can be conducted without violence,” he added.
He said authorities were working with electoral officials to encourage voter registration among young people after identifying thousands of eligible residents who possess national identity cards but are not registered voters.
Efforts were also underway to help eligible residents obtain identification documents and register ahead of future electoral exercises, he said.
Obonyo warned those involved in organising or participating in politically motivated violence that security agencies would take action against them.
“The economy cannot thrive without security. We want Kisumu to remain safe for businesses, workers and residents, and we will not tolerate criminal activities disguised as politics,” he said.
The forum also provided an opportunity for young participants to share their views on governance and elections.
Vctoria Blessing, a participant from Kisumu West constituency, said the discussions had improved her understanding of the role of youth in politics and the importance of civic education.
“You don’t raise your voice, you raise your point. Young people must register as voters, seek civic education and understand how political processes work before demanding change,” she said.
Another participant, Michael Obare from Kisumu Central constituency, encouraged unregistered youths to take advantage of voter registration opportunities and contribute to national development through the ballot.
“I encourage every young person who has not registered as a voter to do so and use that opportunity to make a positive change in our country,” he said.
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