Local Government Minister Uhuru Kenyatta yesterday defended members of the controversial Mungiki sect saying lack of jobs in the country led to formation of the outlawed society.

The minister said some of the Mungiki adherents are well-educated as to take an active role in the country's development. He promised to create opportunities for such vulnerable groups should Kenyans elect him the next President.

"Majority joined the sect because they were idle but they are still our brothers and sisters who should not be hated or secluded from the society but encouraged to reform," Uhuru told a charged congregation in his Gatundu South Constituency.

The minister who was addressing faithful during the commemoration of St Monica's Feast Day at Mutomo Catholic Church described himself as a national figure saying he should not be seen as a leader of a certain society as he needed support from all including the Mungiki followers.

Uhuru however cautioned some politicians against making irresponsible utterances likely to pollute existing peace in the country during the transition period.

He expressed dismay that a clique of leaders including some in the ruling party were playing tribal politics towards their own selfish ends and advised Kenyans to shun such leaders.

The minister was accompanied by his mother, Mama Ngina Kenyatta, who for the second time since the succession debate began, urged Kenyans to vote for her son who she described as mature, intelligent and capable of leading.

She said it was wise to leave the country's leadership to the younger generation in order to tackle the current economic crisis.

Meanwhile, Kanu yesterday moved fast to shut out the mushrooming youth lobby groups that have been formed in the wake of forthcoming General Elections.

Subsequently, any youth group operating outside the umberella of the ruling party's movement is illegal.

Making the announcement in Mombasa, Kanu secretary for youth affairs, Mr Hassan Adam, said the ruling party would not give accreditation status to groups that do not conform with party rules and regulations.

Adam said some self-seekers were behind the formation of lobby groups that claimed outright responsibility to campaign for Kanu and selected national leaders.