Hiram Kimotho
Kenya
As a young person with no political experience, no godfather to back me up, and no vast resources, I dared to step into the political arena in 2022 by running for political office as a Member of County Assembly in Muranga County. It was a baptism by fire. The mockery, the mudslinging, the empty rhetoric, and the political gimmicks were enough to intimidate anyone who dared to dream of leading and making a difference. Unfortunately, I was sidelined during the Nominations and didn’t make it to the ballot box. But here is the thing: they never broke me. They only strengthened my determination.
Having worked with the county government for seven years under the leadership of two governors, I observed a significant leadership gap. Young people, despite their numbers, lacked representation in decision-making spaces. Even when included, they were often marginalized due to their insufficient grounding in community structures. The absence of mentorship from elders left young leaders ill-prepared for future challenges. Witnessing the shelving of promising proposals and implementing superficial solutions for the community and youth issues inspired me to run for office.
I am Hiram Thume Kimotho, a community leader in the making and an aspiring politician fueled by the burning desire to serve. My story reflects countless young people who, like me, have faced hardship while trying to create meaningful change. I have seen how leadership can be applied to uplift and inspire, and I want to be that leader who embodies the HCD model, integrity, hope, and action.
Getting a political nomination in a political party in Kenya is extremely difficult when you don’t have political connections or financial resources. It can be devastating, especially when one has a huge political base, but can still not successfully clinch a political party’s nomination due to internal politics. We hear it constantly that we are the ‘’leaders of tomorrow’’ and we are the future, they say. Politicians shower us with empty praise, touting us as the key to change, the voting power with immense potential. Yet, when it comes to the present, we are conveniently forgotten. This narrative of "future leadership" feels like a pacifier, a way to keep us quiet while the real decisions are made behind closed doors. We are promised positions outlined in fancy documents that never see the light of day while the precious years of our youth slip away.
I aspire to leave a legacy of empowered youth, a transformed community, and citizens actively engaged in development, moving away from the culture of handouts to fostering innovative and self-reliant mindsets. The frustration is tangible. We’re not getting any younger, and the promises are starting to sound hollow, a tunnel with no light at the end. No wonder some of us become discouraged, even desperate, which is evident with the just concluded protests by youth in Kenya.
The urgency of us now cannot be overstated, but the truth is, we were not lost; we were deliberately left behind. The few of us who dared to raise our voices and challenge the system are threatened, abducted, and fear instilled, and can cower a general. This is not about a single individual. It’s about us as a collective. They dangle the carrot of a "great future" in front of us, but we crave the opportunity to ensure young people are empowered to lead.
The future may be important, but the present holds immense significance, too. The challenge is clear: We must rise to claim our rightful place in leadership and demand action now. As the old saying goes, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." We need to take that step together, right now. We need to be seen, heard and counted. We are not just the leaders of tomorrow but today's leaders.
I am preparing to throw my hat into the ring once again in 2027, running for the position of Member of County Assembly. There are many lessons I have collected since I lost the nomination, and I’m confident that I will emerge victorious. My experience in the county government has been pivotal in understanding community relations, project management, and youth affairs. Working closely with local officials and engaging with citizens has broadened my support base and prepared me for the tough road ahead. I am claiming my seat at the table and committing to reshaping politics in Muranga County as a leader of today, not tomorrow!