MOMBASA, Kenya—Youth leaders in Mombasa have condemned the violence witnessed outside the Mombasa County Assembly, accusing political actors of exploiting young people for personal and political interests.
Speaking after youths and activists were reportedly attacked while seeking to present a memorandum to the County Assembly on International Youth Day, Kongowea Ward MCA aspirant Albert Ofisi described the incident as a shame and urged young people to resist being used to advance the interests of political leaders.
Ofisi said the confrontation, which left some youths, activists and journalists injured, was a worrying indication that young people were still being mobilised against one another for political purposes.
He urged youths to reject politicians who portray themselves as political power brokers while allegedly using young people to advance their own interests.
“This is a shame. Young people should never allow themselves to be politically manipulated or used by people who claim to be political kingpins for their own interests,” Ofisi said.
His concerns were echoed by Omar Chai, an aspirant for the Kadzandani Ward MCA seat, who said the time had come for young people to take a more prominent role in political leadership rather than being used to advance the interests of others.
Chai urged young people to seek leadership positions at all levels during the 2027 General Election and take charge of decisions affecting their future.
The reactions came after chaos erupted at the Mombasa County Assembly on Wednesday as young people seeking to present their demands for the adoption of a dedicated county youth policy encountered another group of youths who allegedly confronted and dispersed them.
Some of those caught up in the confrontation were reportedly punched and pelted with stones, while activists and a journalist covering the incident were also injured.
The incident has since triggered competing accounts, with human rights defenders demanding the arrest of those they allege attacked activists and journalists, while the County Assembly has accused the group that arrived at its premises of disrupting its operations and violating established security procedures.
The police have announced investigations into the incident and said a multi-agency team involving the Kenya Police Service, Directorate of Criminal Investigations and Administration Police Service will pursue those responsible for the violence.
The developments have renewed debate over the role of young people in Mombasa’s politics, with youth leaders warning that continued mobilisation of young people against one another could have serious consequences as the country moves towards the 2027 General Election.
