Section of Homa Bay youths say no to Azimio demos

A group of youths in Homa Bay has said they will not engage in protest against President William Ruto-led Kenya Kwanza administration.

The youths said they will not participate in what is likely to scare away investors and other potential development-oriented organizations.

They argued that the current stalemate between Azimio –One Kenya coalition leaders and Kenya Kwanza can be solved through dialogue and not demonstrations.

Azimio leader Raila Odinga has planned a major protest on Monday in Nairobi to push the government to lower the cost of living.

Raila also demands the opening of the server for the 2022 presidential election.

He has already conducted rallies in different counties and urged them to turn up and engage in the protests.

Raila’s Nyanza counties are Kisumu, Homa Bay, Kisii, Siaya, Nyamira and Migori.

Since protests started the most affected counties include Kisumu and Migori where protesters blocked roads.

Homa Bay has not witnessed any protests despite the county being one of the political strongholds of Raila.

Homa Bay ODM youth leader Kevin Ouma on Friday led a group of youths in a campaign meant to promote peace.

Ouma said Monday's protest was scheduled to happen in Nairobi and not other counties.

“Raila supporters should go and protest in Nairobi. We don’t want any behaviour that can paralyse businesses in Homa Bay,” Ouma said.

On Friday, a group of opinion shapers organized a demo as some local leaders including MCAs were reported to have asked their supporters to join them.

Members of Homa Bay Bunge La Wenye Nchi made banners ready for the day.

But they were repulsed by Ouma and his group who said they are concerned about the low status of Homa Bay which they said will stall if protests are allowed. 

“Homa Bay is among the poorest counties economically and many youths are jobless. Any form of disruption in business will plunge us into more poverty,” he added. 

Other youths said their families will suffer if they engage in protest.

Shem Odoyo said most traders earn from hand to mouth and suspending their business for a day or more will make them unable to pay rent.

“Imagine if your mother or father calls you that he has nothing to eat yet you depended on them? What we’re urging youths to do is the best,” Odoyo said.

Other youths expressed concern about their safety during the protest.  In past demos, police have used teargas to disperse youths.  Guns have also been fired in the air to disperse youths.

 “There are possibilities that youths who engage in protest will be injured,” youth Duncan Oduya said.