If the youth are the leaders of tomorrow then the DP William Ruto led United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is the incubator for these leaders of the future.
UDA in its short time of existence in national politics has inspired many young Kenyans to engage in political activities. More compelling are revelations from the young online users who have never voted before but got the opportunity to participate in peaceful UDA primaries as officials.
“I have never voted in any elections before but I was given a chance to be a presiding officer. I am happy and proud for that great opportunity to serve the party I truly believe in, this proves that this government is ready to work with youths and hustlers”, @Jimmyma10116002 wrote in response to Ruto’s tweet.
Many young guys who believed in Jubilee Party and ODM before are viewing the current system as ineffectual, and they think the movers and shakers in Pangani and Chungwa House only look out for elites instead of the rising leaders.
Young people and emerging politicians are generally disenchanted with the current regime. The majority is not for the status quo which has failed to meet modern-day challenges but they believe that government is valuable enough to provide solutions to the vulnerable, from health insurance to food and shelter.
The latest trends and if UDA primaries are anything to go by show that young leaders are beginning to identify with political parties with openness and democratic space where the voice of a ‘small person can be heard and the will of the people respected.
UDA’s quest to be a party of the youths and hustlers was boosted after a 24-year old Women rep aspirant Linet Chepkorir, popularly known as ‘toto’ captured the attention of the country after she beat all odds and seasoned politicians to clinch the party’s ticket in Bomet County even without resources.
Toto triumphed despite a host of prominent names who sought various elective seats on the UDA tickets having their ambitions cut short after being floored by new faces in the party primaries.
Laikipia Women rep Cate Waiguru, former Energy CS Charles Keter, Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara, Soy MP Caleb Kositany and Kuresoi North MP Moses Cheboi are some of the top politicians allied to DP Ruto who took their losses with humility.
