Youths in Homa Bay County have today undertaken a peaceful procession to champion for peace while celebrating International Youth Day.
The international day for the youths which is usually held every August 12 yearly was carried forward to August 30 following the presidential results tallying by the IEBC that was prolonged until 15 of this month.
“Because of the general elections, we postponed the celebration until today. We thought that we would have a peaceful procession after the election but we were delayed due to the presidential results tallying that was undertaken until 15th of August,” Elector Opar said.
The County Director for youths who spoke outside the office of the County Commissioner on Tuesday before proceeding with the marching, said the walk was to demonstrate how peaceful youths in Homa Bay are, regardless of the situation, adding that it was also an opportunity for them to show their solidarity.
“This is an opportunity for us youths to show the world that we are peaceful and that whatever the outcome we will not destroy or burn anything. As we undertake this procession to Kabunde social hall, it is a way of showing our solidarity. We also want to call for peace in the country,” she said.
More than 20 youths were set to walk from the office of the county commissioner all the way to Kabunde Social Hall in the outskirts of the town.
Opar noted that this year’s theme engages people of all ages, youths and the older generation.
“This year’s theme is Transgenerational solidarity, creating a world for all ages, which involves young and old. This is to encourage the young people that in as much as this is their day, the elderly are also included in everything they do,” said the director adding, “We also expect them to be involved today.”
Milton Oboka, Youth Coordinator, Devolution and Climate Change Adaptation programme (DaCCA) said through the engagement of both generations, they will share ideas and learn from each other.
“We want to create a sustainable engagement in different generations where the older generation can engage meaningfully with the young people at the community level to share ideas so that we can learn from them as they learn from us,” Oboka said.
DaCCA works with the vulnerable communities in Kisumu, Migori and Homa Bay on climate change adaptation strategies and interventions.
The programme also seeks to create opportunities for the youths in Homa Bay.
Oboka appreciated efforts by partners towards the achievement of the event saying that they liaised with the office of the youths in bringing more partners on board to ensure a successful day.
“We are privileged to be among the partners in this event where, as DaCCA programme, we have actually managed to work with the office of the youths to bring more partners together to ensure this event is successful,” Oboka said.
He pointed out that they will involve the youths to champion for development agendas and be agents of change at the community level.
Jude Wasonga, Homa Bay Deputy County Commissioner who flagged off the procession at the county headquarters commended the youths for maintaining peace during and after the general elections.
“People anticipated chaos at that time but the youths were patient enough to maintain peace all through. I want to thank them for showing the rest of the world that elections can be done peacefully,” he said.
He thanked the event’s sponsors including Plan International and DaCCA as well as the ministry of sports and youths’ affairs for their efforts while at the same time called on the youths who are of age to participate in all phases of development.
By Sitna Omar
