From time immemorial, young people have always been told that they are the leaders of tomorrow. This has led most of them to shun elective politics and focus on electing older people rather than present themselves for such positions.
The scenario is, however, entirely different for 24-year-old, Abraham Osoi Orikai, who is the Member of County Assembly elect for Matapato North Ward in Kajiado Central Constituency.
Osoi, who is the youngest MCA to ever be elected in Kajiado, believes that the youth are the leaders of today rather than tomorrow.
“You are not tomorrow’s leaders; you are the leaders of today. It is the right time for you to stand up and be counted. Your age or wealth doesn’t matter, what matters is hard work and trust in God,” Osoi told the youth.
Osoi said he is grateful to God as this is his first trial in leadership and God has helped him clinch the seat.
“I want to thank God for granting me this opportunity on first trial and the people of Matapato North for the trust they have accorded me and granted me leadership despite my age,” he said.
The MCA Elect who resorted to campaign door to door for lack of resources has pledged to work hard to change the lives of his people.
“We have a major challenge of water scarcity in the area, education is also a major issue. I will work hard to ensure that the Ward gets water and our students have a conducive learning environment in terms of infrastructure,” he said.
The professional accountant who graduated from KCA University, has also pledged to create employment opportunities for the youth by tapping their talents.
“Many young people are educated yet have no employment. Even if they won’t have formal employment, I pledged to work together with them to find ways they can tap into their talents so that they are able to fend for themselves,” added Osoi.
Osoi vied for the position through the WIPER party and defeated the incumbent Dickson Nkaloyo of ODM.
The East African Community (EAC) election observation mission group observed that young people in Kenya were not given adequate space and opportunities to participate as candidates in the August 9th election.
EAC Election Observation Mission Chairman and former Tanzanian President, Jakaya Kikwete, said that they had received complaints from young people regarding the same.
“We consider this as a serious matter which needs attention and resolute action. Young people are the future of this country,” stressed Kikwete.
By Diana Meneto
