Young people are increasingly using art, social media and other creative talents to engage in conversations on democracy, social justice and community issues, challenging the perception that they remain on the sidelines of leadership and civic affairs.

The Community Peace Museums Heritage Foundation (CPMHF), through the Fixing the Nation’s Democracy through Young Voices for Change (Utu Project), has partnered with 15 young people drawn from across the country to promote community dialogue, inclusivity and social justice through art and media.

Speaking during an engagement forum with the young people, former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, who was the chief guest, applauded the young creatives for using their talents to keep the spirit of the Constitution alive through their involvement in politics and community affairs.

“Artists, poets and filmmakers, through their critique of what is happening in the country, breathe life into our Constitution,” he said.

Mutunga challenged young people to move beyond expressing their views online and take an active role in organised politics, noting that meaningful political change requires structure and organisation.

“Young people do not have to form their own political parties as that costs money, but they can identify among the available parties those that align with their ideologies,” he said.

He encouraged young people to seek elective positions, including Member of County Assembly, to gain a direct role in decision-making and contribute to the changes they advocate for.

Mutunga also commended young people for identifying tribalism as a major challenge to national cohesion and embracing an identity that places common national interests above ethnic divisions.

He, however, cautioned young people against alienating older generations, saying every generation has played a role in the country’s democratic journey.

“Young people need to stop saying the older generations are lazy or cowardly. Every generation has contributed in its own way to the democracy of this country by challenging the government of the day over the years,” he said.

The former Chief Justice also challenged political leaders to uphold the Constitution and prioritise the wellbeing of citizens rather than using politics to divide communities.

Social media influencer and spoken-word artist Willie Oeba, one of the participants, urged young people to harness digital platforms to champion social justice and use their creative talents to start conversations on issues affecting society.

Oeba turned to art as a platform for addressing social issues after a near-death experience more than a decade ago, when he was almost shot by police in Nakuru in a case of mistaken identity.

He said some of his creative works were considered too radical for mainstream media, prompting him to turn to social media as an alternative platform for reaching audiences.

Oeba encouraged fellow creatives to make better use of digital platforms, saying social media provides an opportunity for young people to influence public discourse while earning a living from their talents.

“That one video may not get traction, but you have spoken to that one person who saw it,” he said, urging young people to consistently share their work instead of waiting for perfect content.

The Utu Project brings together young creatives from across the country to participate in community initiatives addressing issues including misinformation, political intolerance and social justice through art, dance, community engagement and civic education.

CPMHF Director Munuve Mutisya explained that the Fixing the Nation’s Democracy through Young Voices for Change project is being implemented in partnership with Fredens          Hus, Swedish for House of Peace, a Swedish non-profit peace organisation focusing on peace education, human rights, democracy, tolerance and youth engagement through exhibitions, dialogue, arts and educational programmes.

The Utu Project seeks to strengthen young people’s understanding of civic rights and responsibilities, public participation, social justice and democracy, while giving them tools to advocate for social change.

Mutisya challenged the participants to continue using their skills and talents to address issues affecting their communities.

 by Purity Mugo