KISUMU, Kenya Jul 1 – Youth leaders in Kisumu have demanded transparency in the upcoming National Youth Council (NYC) elections, raising concerns over the lack of information on candidates and voters just days before the scheduled polls.

📻 Breaking It Down

Addressing journalists in Kisumu on Wednesday, the leaders said they had not received the list of aspirants or the voters’ register despite the elections being slated for Sunday.

They urged the Ministry of Youth Affairs and the National Youth Council Secretariat to make the process open and credible to safeguard the interests of young people.

Kisumu Youth Assembly Chairperson Austin Ogalo said the uncertainty surrounding the elections had left many young people questioning the credibility of the exercise.

📌 What You Need to Know

“We have seen the Gazette Notice stating that the National Youth Council elections will be held on Sunday, but up to now we have not received the list of aspirants or the register of voters. We want clarity on who is contesting and who will be voting from the ward level to the national level,” said Ogalo.

He argued that publishing the list of candidates and eligible voters would enhance confidence in the elections and prevent disputes over the outcome.

He also cautioned against the involvement of people who do not qualify as youth or any attempts to influence the electoral process.

Ogalo said the youth wanted leaders who would genuinely represent their interests and called on the government to ensure the elections were conducted fairly.

“We do not want a situation where people who are not youths are brought in to vote or where the council becomes a briefcase institution. We want free, fair and transparent elections that genuinely represent the youth,” he said.

Another youth leader, Owira Mogo, claimed that some individuals seeking elective positions had already held meetings with government officials, raising concerns about possible political interference in the process.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya