Suna West Member of Parliament Peter Masara has made an appeal for targeted youth empowerment, challenging both national and county governments to provide capital for struggling youth while strongly condemning the rising tide of political “goonism” in the region.

Speaking during the official launch of a new Administration Block at Magoto Primary School, the lawmaker emphasized that a lack of capital, rather than a lack of ambition, is keeping many young people jobless.

Masara highlighted the critical role of the informal sector, particularly the boda-boda industry, salons,barbershops and welding businesses, in keeping youth engaged.

However, he noted that many lack the baseline capital to kickstart these ventures.

“Our youth are not jobless by choice,” Masara stated.

“They need capital to start businesses. They need to be supported so they can buy their own motorbikes. The boda-boda sector is a massive employer, but it lacks adequate support. We must create an environment where they can be innovative and creative.”

Beyond self-employment, the MP urged both the Migori County Government and the national government to intentionally create employment slots for young graduates. While acknowledging national initiatives like Nyota fund,he pressed for expanded coverage to capture more beneficiaries.

Gubernatorial bid

The lawmaker who openly declared his intention to unseat Governor Ayacko in the upcoming general election, urged voters particularly those in his Suna West constituency to reject the incumbent’s bid for a second term.

He warned that re-electing the current county leadership would plunge Migori into a “deeper ditch,” citing a widespread failure to deliver essential public services and development.

“The current leadership has completely failed the residents of Migori County,” Masara stated sharply.

“If we make the mistake of re-electing this government, we are voluntarily steering our county into economic stagnation and poor governance.”

With political temperatures rising ahead of the elections, the MP focused a significant portion of his address on security and civic responsibility.

He strongly appealed to the local population, with a specific call to action targeted at the youth, to resist political manipulation and maintain law and order.

“I urge all residents of Suna West, especially our young people, to remain peaceful,” Masara pleaded. “Elections come and go, but our community remains. Do not allow yourselves to be used to cause chaos.”

Goon led attacks

Addressing local security concerns, Masara defended the integrity of the majority of young people, warning against profiling them as criminals.

“Our young men and women should not be condemned as thieves. Many of them are completely innocent,” he said, while urging security agencies to isolate and firmly deal with the few individuals driving insecurity.

In a stern warning to local political players, the legislator explicitly condemned the weaponization of youth for political violence.

 “Time is long gone for people to mobilize youth to go and attack others. If you are a leader, you must lead people. When people are dying, who are you going to lead? The goonism coming up, where people are investing in violence, will not help us.”

“There’s no way we can kill everybody and want to be a leader. If you are a leader, you must lead people. So when people are dying, then who are you going to lead in the position you are looking for?”He questioned 

Ruto two term

Shifting to national politics, Masara declared his outright support for President William Samoei Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid, citing a tangible development track record since the region aligned with the government’s broad-based arrangement.

“As for the President, we don’t have options. We, the Luo nation and the ODM fraternity, are going to vote for William Samoei Ruto for a second term… Why? Because of his development record. He has shown us that he can develop us.”

The lawmaker concluded by rallying residents to secure their future through civic participation, urging unregistered youth to immediately acquire national identification cards and register as voters ahead of the next election cycle.