Battle of the young as youthful politicians eye Starehe Parliamentary seat

Nairobi’s Starehe Constituency will be the centre of political might as the country gears to the August 8 General Election.

The Constituency plays a significant role in the country’s administration and business being home to the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) that houses the National Assembly, the Senate, the Judiciary arms of the government, the Nairobi City County National Assembly, and State House among other key installations.

Unlike other years where the race to lead the constituency has been characterised by veteran politicians, this year’s landscape has changed with young vibrant entrants hoping to edge out season politicians led by the sitting Legislator, Maina Kamanda.

Among those eyeing the seat include flamboyant businessman Steve Mbogo, activist Boniface Mwangi, Abdiaziz Mohammed Hirsi and musician, Charles Kanyi alias Jaguar.

The youthful politicians argue that time has come for the older generation to pave way for young blood to breathe freshness into the country’s leadership.

Mr Mbogo, who is eyeing the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party ticket, says his leadership is based on the interest of the people of Starehe, pointing out that tribalism has been the country’s most undoing.

He said his campaign is determined to ensure that tribalism is eliminated by voters electing leaders regardless of their tribes.

Speaking to Radio Citizen, Mr Mbogo added that the majority of the unemployed youth in the city constituency will be his priority.

The ODM nominations in Nairobi County are slated on April 25.
Mbogo will face off with Abdiaziz Mohamed Hirsi, Winstones Churchill Ochieng and Rhoda Mumoh Kivati in the ODM primaries.

Incumbent Starehe Member of Parliament, Maina Kamanda, will be defending his seat on a Jubilee ticket but will square it out with Jaguar.

Others in the Jubilee nominations include Paul Gichuki, Stanley Gathogo, Francis Mwangi and Simon Chege.

Activist Boniface Mwangi will be vying for the seat on an Ukweli Party ticket.