A section of women and youth leaders from Embu County have faulted elected leaders in Mt Kenya who endorsed Interior CS Kithure Kindiki as the region’s kingpin for peddling divisive politics.
They said the leaders are reneging on their duties of representation and development and shifting focus to championing divisive and self-serving agendas that pose a threat to the unity of the region.
Led by Gender and Equality Advocate Fridah Karani, they said the leaders are imposing their views in total disregard of the opinions of other groups including women and youth.
“Any leadership that disregards the voice of its largest demographic is a failed leadership,” Karani said.
Speaking in Embu Town on Friday, Karani said they will only stand behind formations that are people-centred, accountable and transparent while dismissing those who endorsed Kindiki as “enemies of the people.”
Youth leader Francis Musili demanded their inclusion in decision-making, arguing that they have for far too long been excluded in such platforms that determine their future.
He challenged the leaders to stop supremacy and divisive politics and focus on addressing issues affecting them such as joblessness and the university funding model crisis.
Another youth leader, Mercy Wanjiku, said the behavior of such leaders serves to set a dangerous precedent for the younger generation who need to be mentored on how to be responsible leaders and not create disharmony among their people.
