By Monica Nashon
The Ebirongo Youth Group has dismissed claims linking it to criminal activity, describing itself as a duly registered organisation focused on empowering young people, promoting economic growth and advancing community development in Nyaribari Chache.
At a meeting attended by members from different wards, leaders said the group’s core objective remains creating opportunities for youths while supporting local development efforts.
“We are not criminals,” member Davis Omosa said. “We are young people seeking progress in our community, and we back leaders who bring development.”
The comments were made as members moved to explain the group’s role within the constituency and address what they called misunderstandings about its work.
Vice Chairperson Julius Orangi said the organisation has members from across Nyaribari Chache, including Birongo, Ibeno, Keumbu and Bobaracho wards.
“This team represents the entire constituency. We gathered to discuss how the group can keep supporting development and assisting people in our area,” Orangi said.
Group leader Japhet Onyambu said Ebirongo Youth Group was formed in 2013 to help young people access economic opportunities and improve their living standards.
“We formed this group to empower youths economically. Today, we are grateful because the county government has continued to support us and our activities,” he said.
At the meeting, members highlighted several projects they said had benefited residents, including road improvements, better healthcare services, market infrastructure and education programmes.
Linet Nyanchoka said young people had seen changes that made life easier for residents, pointing to school milk programmes and assistance for women traders among initiatives they valued.
“We are here to thank Governor Paul Simba Arati and MP Zaheer Jhanda for the support they have given the people. Women traders have also received financial assistance to start businesses,” she said.
The group further expressed support for continuing development programmes in the constituency, saying investments in public services and youth empowerment have helped improve livelihoods in the area.
Onyambu said the organisation remains committed to mobilising young people for productive activities and strengthening community involvement in development work.