Some politicians from Azimio leader Raila Odinga’s Nyanza backyard have castigated the opposition chief for rallying the youth to demonstrate against the government.
The politicians said Raila had formed the habit of turning to the youth, particularly those from his backyard, to register his discontent with the ruling regime.
“Any form of political demonstration at this point in time is causing further stigmatisation of our community by making us perpetual demonstrators,” said former Rangwe MP Martin Ogindo.
Speaking during a press conference at a hotel in Nairobi, Ogindo called on the youth to shun calls by Azimio leaders to go to the streets in support of the four IEBC commissioners facing ouster.
“As Kenyans, we want to bring to an end to the perpetual misuse of young Kenyans in demonstrations,” he stated.
Already, the youth led by the President of Bunge la Mwananchi, Calvin Okoth Otieno, have said they will hold daily demonstrations in support for IEBC vice chair Juliana Cherera and commissioners Irene Masit, Francis Wanderi and Justus Nyang’aya.
On Tuesday, Ogindo advised the youth not to be misused by leaders with selfish interests.
“We instead ask them to use their energy, talents and creativity positively and productively. Unemployed young people are looking for opportunities to be gainfully engaged and be self-reliant,” Ogindo stated.
With him at the press conference were former Kisumu governor Jack Ranguma, former Kisumu Senator Fred Outa and former Nyatike MP Edick Anyanga.
Ranguma regretted that while Azimio chair Uhuru Kenyatta is spearheading a peace process in the DRC, Raila was planning protests in Kenya.
“The Azimio leader may have a point with his rallies but the timing is not appropriate at all. Our children are sitting for their national examinations, the economy is battered and we are just from a hotly contested election,” he explained.
Outa said leaders from the Nyanza region should focus on promoting the interests of the youth.
“Nyanza leaders should do something better for the youth. Protests will not help the young people,” he added.
Anyanga also called on the youth to shun leaders who are asking them to go to the streets for demonstrations.
“Enough is enough, we cannot allow our youths to be misused. Stop this rubbish and give President William Ruto time to fulfil his pledges,” said the former Nyatike MP.
He regretted that Nyanza leaders have been insisting that their region must get its fair share of development yet they turn around and calls for demos.
