by GEOFFREY AJIKI

The passage of the new constitution marked the beginning of a new era for the people of this country as it now gives them more power to take charge in the running of their affairs.The youth have not been left behind and are gearing up for the forthcoming elections which they have vowed to fully participate in.Following the youth revolution in Egypt and Tunisia,the youth especially from the larger Kisumu County have decided to matters into the own hands and revolutionize Nyanza politics.They have sounded an early warning to the old guard who might be intrested in vying for positions in the newly established county.Because they feel that they have been misused by politians with little gain,they have vowed to mobilize their own resources and use them to support one of their own who will be accountable to the people.Though several names have been floated as potential aspirants for the senate,the youth have remained mum about their intentions until the time comes for nominations when they would annoint one of their own for the job. Among those who have declared interest for the seat are wealthy businessmen who hails from the county including the bespectacled Mombasa business magnate Polycap Ochola Kamili, seasoned Muhoroni politician Ochola Ododa and Egineer Otieno Odongo. What remains to be seen is how they will counter the youth league which has given a new definition as to who they think is within the youth bracket.Though several university students from the county have thrown their weight behind Mr. Ogoda,others are yet to make up their minds as they claim that Ogoda is like a soldier who is going to war with only his kinsmen and therefore stands no chance of ascending to the seat.The rumour around is that they might front one of their own to battle it out with other youth nominees.Given the influence they wield among the village fork,it will be very hard to deal with them if they stick with to their plan.Others have also proposed that Mr. Fred Wagah be prevailed upon to vie for the position of County governor because he is still a youth who understands what they are going through considering that he too had to suffer to reach where he is now.He would therefore represent their interest if elected.This was suggested at the students association meeting held at KU and attended by among others; Geoffrey Ajiki who heads the CEA YOUTH LEAGUE, Gabriel Chan who is the NUSA and Peter Ngwala who is the league secretary. If they live up to the resolutions they made then the political elite must prepare for a tough battle.

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