Mudavadi cautions Kenyans against electing 'bitter' politicians

Addressing more than 6,000 youths at the PAG Church National Conference in Nyang'ori, Vihiga County, Mudavadi said some politicians appeal to crowds by telling them what they want to hear instead of addressing issues honestly.

“There are leaders who will come to a forum like this and speak what pleases your ears so that you can clap and ululate, but outside the forum they are hoodwinking the people and cannot tolerate them beyond the podium,” Mudavadi stated.

Mudavadi said he and President William Ruto were pursuing what he described as mature politics by speaking truthfully on issues affecting the country.

He urged the youth to be cautious when choosing leaders, warning against electing politicians who are bitter, vengeful and vindictive.

“You will listen to them, they are angry, they are bitter, speak with vengeance and sound vindictive. They will not implement anything, they are only keen on spreading hate,” Mudavadi noted. 

“Be careful so that we don't elect such leaders. We should not surrender to such leaders,” he added.

Mudavadi likened political leadership to the education system, saying aspiring leaders must build their experience and networks gradually rather than seeking national leadership without a foundation.

“A child does not wake up one day and skip the classes. So is it in politics. You wake up one day and pretend that you want to be a national leader without building networks and investing in politics,” Mudavadi stated.

He said political success cannot be achieved overnight, comparing the process to making instant coffee.

“When you want to become a champion, you cannot do it like instant coffee. If you want to be a boxer, you train. The message to the young people is that there is a process to become a champion,” Mudavadi stated.

“We must come to terms that we must work hard. We don't want the young people to work alone. They should take the counsel of those ahead of them,” he added.

Mudavadi also urged young people to register as voters in large numbers, saying they have a role in determining the country's future through elections.

The Prime Cabinet Secretary defended President Ruto's administration, saying it had delivered development projects equitably across the country and needed another term to complete ongoing projects.

He cited infrastructure projects in Western Kenya, including the Nairobi-Malaba highway, as evidence of the government's investment in the region.

“We have only heard and seen a dual carriageway in Thika and Mount Kenya. Today, a major one, the Nairobi-Malaba dual carriageway, is cutting through the Western region. We deserve it, and it will open our economy,” Mudavadi stated.

Mudavadi also praised the youth for their enthusiasm, urging them to pursue their goals with purpose.

“There are countries which are ageing societies and do not renew fast. Having young people is God's way of ensuring that we shall be renewed,” he stated.

He said the government had invested Ksh.780 billion in education, describing it as a demonstration of its commitment to developing a highly educated young population.

“This is the first government that has invested such a huge sum of over 20 per cent in education. The government is determined to ensure we have an educated youth population,” Mudavadi stated.

However, he raised concern over increasing HIV infections among young people, particularly in Western Kenya.

“Kenya has fought the problem of HIV and AIDS. As we stand now, Kenya remains number seven globally. The majority are young. The new infections are young people between 18 and 35 years,” Mudavadi remarked. 

He said data from authoritative sources showed that Western Kenya was facing the highest burden, while Mandera recorded the lowest.

Mudavadi claimed that Kenya was losing about 20,000 people to the disease every year, urging young people to make decisions that would safeguard their future.

He also called on the youth to maintain peace ahead of the 2027 General Election, saying the government would support a democratic process.

“Kenya shall have a free and fair election. We want him to win through a democratic process. That is what we stand for,” Mudavadi stated.