Ichung’wah warns politicians against using youths to disrupt meetings

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has warned politicians against using young people to disrupt political meetings. Speaking at a women’s forum in Kirinyaga County, Ichung’wah urged leaders to prioritize creating employment opportunities for youths instead of mobilizing them for political confrontations. This warning came after hundreds of youths reportedly attempted to disrupt a women’s forum in Kiangwaci, Kirinyaga County, allegedly brought in from Kutus to cause chaos during the event attended by Ichung’wah and Kirinyaga county leaders.

The Majority Leader expressed concern over the growing trend of politicians employing young people for political activities rather than helping them secure sustainable livelihoods. He stated that instead of using money to mobilize youths for political activities, politicians should assist them in finding productive work. Ichung’wah also cautioned political rivals that instead of resorting to violence and intimidation, the Kirinyaga gubernatorial race should be decided through democratic competition and the presentation of development plans.

He further cautioned against allowing young people to engage in violence and excessive alcohol consumption during political activities. Kirinyaga Central MP Gachoki Gitari, who is also contesting for the gubernatorial seat, echoed Ichung’wah’s sentiments, accusing unnamed political opponents of financing attempts to disrupt the women’s forum.

Gitari emphasized that political competition should not involve recruiting young people to cause disorder at opponents’ meetings, warning that if they send other people’s children to cause chaos, their own children should stand on the front lines. The Kirinyaga gubernatorial race has drawn several contenders, including Senator Kamau Murango, former Woman Representative Wangui Ngirici, and Gitari.

The incident highlights the increasing political activity in the region ahead of the 2027 General Elections, with leaders facing mounting pressure to conduct peaceful campaigns and refrain from exploiting young people for political violence or disruption.