Youth leaders from Mt Kenya have called for an end to exploitation of genuine concerns facing Kenyans for personal and political gain.
Under the banner 'Mt Kenya Young Leaders', the youth emphasised accountability from those in leadership positions.
In a statement, the youth said they are troubled by what appears to be attempts by leaders to exploit the spate of abductions to resuscitate dwindling political relevance.
“As Mt Kenya young leaders, we have keenly followed recent statements by leaders regarding abductions,” they said.
They said the timing and tone of remarks by some leaders raise questions about the sincerity of their concerns, suggesting calculated move to regain political mileage rather than address pressing issues of young Kenyans.
“Additionally, we are concerned about insinuations linking this issue to community grievances,” they said.
They added that some politicians have resorted to politicising personal woes and frame them as collective struggles of the Mt Kenya community.
“This divisive rhetoric only serves to create unnecessary tension and distract from real issues affecting Kenyans,” they said.
“Lastly, we note with alarm what seems to be a deliberate effort to sow discord between the Mt Kenya region and our brothers and sisters from North Eastern Kenya.”
They added that attempts to create enmity between communities appear to be driven by ulterior motives that serve a few individuals’ political agendas.
“Such divisive tactics are unacceptable and we urge leaders to prioritise unity and focus on issues that benefit all Kenyans, especially the youth.”
The government has increasingly come under sharp public scrutiny following a trend of abductions of citizens and foreign nationals that have been blamed on security operatives.
Police have vehemently denied the allegations saying they arrest but never abduct suspects.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) said at least 82 people were arrested from June 2024 at the height of Gen Z-led anti-government protests.
The state-funded rights group claimed some 29 of those reported missing were yet to be found as at December 2024.
Police said that they are investigating the disappearances.
