A section of youth in Busia County has called on Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma to end what they describe as continued hostility towards them and instead focus on accountability and the delivery of development projects to residents.
The youth, led by former youth president Edwin Wepukhulu, popularly known as Chikuzee, also called on the governor to stop what they allege are repeated police interventions targeting young people within Busia town.
Speaking during a funeral gathering in the Amoni area of Busia town, Chikuzee said the youth have no personal hostility towards Governor Otuoma and urged his administration to engage them through dialogue rather than confrontation.
"Nimeona bwana Osiya hapa, na nimeona watu wa bwana Otuoma hapa.Osiya tunaomba ongelesha gavana Otuoma, awache kutushikia kila mara, sisi hatuna maneno na yeye, hatuna maneno na mtu, Tunaomba tu awache kutushika"~ Chikuzeeh
He questioned what the group described as frequent police harassment of young people and called for greater attention to the concerns and priorities of the county's youth.
The remarks come amid heightened tensions between a section of the youth and security agencies in Busia town.
In May and July 2026, Chikuzee was arrested by detectives and taken to Kakamega for initial questioning before being handed over to detectives in Busia.
His arrests were followed by heightened tension in Busia town, with demonstrations reported in parts of the town. According to accounts from residents and youth supporters, the unrest disrupted normal business activities, with some traders reportedly closing their businesses as demonstrations intensified.
The developments raised concerns among residents and business operators over the impact of the tensions on normal activities in the town.
The youth have now called for dialogue between young people and authorities, saying confrontation could further escalate tensions in the county.
They have also warned that they will closely scrutinise the manifestos of candidates ahead of the 2027 General Election, particularly their plans for young people.
According to them, they will not support candidates whose manifestos fail to contain clear and practical programmes addressing issues affecting the common mwananchi.
The youth further urged political leaders to prioritise development, employment opportunities, and youth empowerment rather than political confrontation.
Governor Otuoma's administration has previously highlighted youth empowerment, vocational training, and economic opportunities as part of its development agenda. The county government has also identified infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, and the promotion of trade among its broader development priorities.
The latest demands add to an ongoing debate in Busia over relations between county leadership, youth groups, and security agencies.
The youth are calling for a shift from confrontation to dialogue, with greater emphasis on development, accountability, and opportunities for young people across Busia County.