Youths helping Jubilee in push to gain support base in Northern Kenya

By: Suleiman Abdikadir

NAIROBI—Youths are taking center stage in political activities in Northern Kenya as the two leading political parties—Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) and Jubilee–jostle for support and base at the formerly restive region.

Deputy President William Ruto during his Garissa tour last week. Photo/ COURTESY

From Mandera to Garissa, young political hopefuls and activists are aligning themselves with political figures and groups that they say have the interest of their communities at heart.

In what is billed as the most competitive election in Kenya’s history, youths are actively participating in party politics.

“It is the right time to claim what belongs to us,” Said Mohamed Hashi, North Eastern Jubilee party youth leader said.

At the wake of social media acceptance in Kenya, youths are using the platform to gain prominence.

“I am on a mission to turn the region (NEP) red ,” he added. Red is the “thematic” colour of Jubilee party to which president Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto belong to.

“Jubilee is the best bet for Northern Kenya,” he says adding that “There was some delays in the execution of projects among them the tarmacking of the Garissa-Mandera road.”

He stated that the opposition would have to seek support elsewhere, saying they peddle hollow political promises.

“Who in his sane mind will want to vote a fragmented, disoriented, lackluster opposition with minimal chance of coming close to winning the next election,” he said.