Several politicians were on Friday heckled during the requiem mass of six bouncers who were lynched at a funeral in Busia.
Phillip Kwach (Kwach), William Omondi (Sisqo), Evans Onyango Ochieng (Toto), Richard Odera (Nick), David Okeyo (Ouma) and Elvis Odoyo Otieno were killed by a mob at the burial of businessman Johannes Okoth who was shot dead by unknown assailants.
The youths accused the leaders of offering lip service and failing to create jobs for the youth.
The leaders at Boya Primary School included Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o, former governor Jack Ranguma, Kisumu Deputy Governor Mathews Owili, Senator Fred Outa, Woman Representative Rozaah Buyu and MPs Jared Okello (Nyando), Aduma Owuor (Nyakach), Onyango K’Oyoo (Muhoroni) and Imran Okoth (Kibra), among others.
The youth accused the leaders of using the bouncers during campaigns and failing to employ them.
Mr Israel Ikola, the National Secretary of the Association of Bouncers Kenya, accused politicians of paying the youth peanuts to offer them security.
“If bouncers are working for you, pay them well, I am calling on all bouncers to reject any job offer where there is no contract being signed,” said Mr Ikola.
Mr Jack Omenda from the Kenya Private Security Workers Union blamed politicians for hiring the youths without taking their welfare seriously.
“The six were killed like beasts yet they went to Busia to offer security,” said Mr Omenda.
Mr Brian Odhiambo, chairman of Tich Tire Youth Group where six were members, accused Kisumu leaders of discriminating against the youth during employment. Governor Nyong’o, however, defended himself saying there were plans to employ the youth.
“Road maintenance teams will be established at the ward levels where youths will be hired to work and get paid,” said Mr Nyong’o.
The six bouncers will be buried on Saturday.