From Eldoret to Integrity Centre: Kenyan Youth March Miles to Demand End to Corruption
In a powerful display of civic defiance, youth from across Kenya converged at the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) headquarters on Thursday. The delegation arrived at Integrity Centre after an arduous trek from Eldoret to submit a comprehensive petition targeting the systemic corruption, unemployment, and human rights violations they say are “killing the future” of the younger generation.
The petition paints a grim picture of public office in Kenya, accusing both national and county governments of deep-seated graft. According to the youth, government tenders, business licenses, and empowerment programs are systematically hijacked by politically connected individuals. This culture of bribery and “proxy ownership” has effectively locked genuine young entrepreneurs out of the economy, leaving them sidelined by a system built on patronage rather than merit.
Beyond economic exclusion, the youth raised the alarm on a deteriorating human rights situation. The petition alleges that activists who dare to speak out against corruption face a terrifying reality of harassment and intimidation. Most notably, the youth linked the culture of impunity to more severe crimes, including enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, claiming that these abuses thrive because those in power are shielded by corrupt networks.
EACC CEO Abdi Mohamud, who received the petition personally, commended the marchers for their peaceful and constitutional exercise of power under Article 37. Describing the long walk from Eldoret as a “powerful demonstration,” Mohamud assured the youth that the commission would study the petition and respond within its legal mandate. He noted that the youth’s demands align with the EACC’s strategic goal of uniting younger Kenyans in the fight against graft.
Supporting this sentiment, EACC Chairperson David Oginde warned that the country’s stability is at stake. He lauded the youth for taking direct action, noting that such movements are capable of inspiring lasting national transformation.
The EACC highlighted existing structures for engagement, such as the memorandum of understanding with the National Youth Council. However, the youth remain adamant that they want more than structured talks—they want an end to the extortion of young entrepreneurs by enforcement officers and a total overhaul of how youth-targeted funds are managed.