A section of the Luo council of elders has warned youth from the community against participating in mass protests called by Azimio leader Raila Odinga.
The elders argued that most anti-government protests are chaotic and lead to loss of lives as youths engage the police in running battles.
Led by their chairman Nyandiko Ongadi, the elders appealed to youth from the Luo community against defying their advice saying demonstrations may result in misfortune.
“Elders are able to foresee what young people cannot. And we are now telling our sons and daughters not to participate in the Azimio demos because they may befall by misfortunes,” Ongadi said.
The elders appealed to Azimio leader Raila Odinga to avoid the demonstrations.
Achando argued that there is no need for agitation against the government when the Supreme Court concluded a petition that was challenging the victory of President William Ruto.
“It’s very difficult to convince people that Ruto didn’t win presidential elections when the Supreme Court gave a verdict. That’s why we see no need to protest against it,” Achando said.
Police sometimes use force to repulse and disperse protesters as a way of quelling chaotic demonstrations whenever youth resort to throwing stones.
It is perceived that the youth who get injured during the ensuing confrontations are supporters of Raila since majority hail from his political strongholds.
Since Raila began calling for demonstrations in March, counties such as Nairobi, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori and Siaya have been the epicenter of the protests. Deaths and injuries have also been witnessed in some incidents.
It is against this backdrop that the elders warned youths from participating in such demos that lead to loss of life.
Speaking to journalists after their meeting in Kendu Bay town in Karachuonyo constituency, Ongadi said they had resolved that the demonstrations are uncalled for.
They claimed there was no need for people to engage in demos when the bipartisan teams are still preparing to meet over conflicting issues.
Ongadi added that demonstrations destroy the country’s economy.
“The demonstrations we witnessed about a month ago led to damage of property which eventually culminates destruction of the country’s economy,” he added.
Thomas Achando, Phares Ogada, Wilson Odhiambo, Okinyi Rao and Ariko Odoyo among other elders were present.
They asked the community youth members to work with the government if they want issues of unemployment affecting them addressed.
The senior citizens said time had come for all political leaders to consider the interest of the country by avoiding actions that can destroy the economy.
Rao told Luos to support Ruto because he had given key job opportunities to a number of leaders from the community.
“We feel this government is inclusive because our sons and daughters have been given good jobs. Let’s engage with the government on development, not protests,” Rao added.
The elders asked Nyanza residents to wait for elections in 2027.
They asked political leaders to put the interest of Kenyans ahead of theirs.
Elder Wilson Liech told the community to shun mentality that President Ruto can be ousted from his seat.
“There’s no orthodox way of ascending to presidency apart from election and any other methods stipulated in the law. Let’s wait for 2027 and vote another person they want don’t want Ruto,” Liech said.
