Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) youths in Kisumu Central have urged party members to avoid revisiting the 2022 general election and instead focus on development and national unity ahead of the 2027 vote.
Speaking in Kisumu on Wednesday, the youths called on Kenyans to promote peace and unity and to reject divisive politics.
They said political leaders should prioritise development and national cohesion rather than dwelling on the outcome of the 2022 presidential election.
Led by Kisumu Central MP aspirant Bovince Ochieng, they called on political leaders to prioritise development aimed at improving the livelihoods of Kenyans rather than dwelling on past elections.
“As young people, 2022 is now behind us. We have moved moved on and looking at the future of this nation together as a region,” he said.
Ochieng also cited government development projects in Kisumu county, saying more than 66 projects had been undertaken at a cost of more than Sh50billion.
“If you look at the projects that we have in Kisumu county alone, there are over 66 development projects, which [the President] has actually injected over 50 billion Kenya shillings directly to Kisumu County,” he said.
The figures were presented as part of the leaders’ argument that political debate should focus more on development and its impact on residents.
Another youth leader, Edwin Otieno, urged young people to take an active role in politics and assess the policies and records of leaders seeking their support.
He quoted Nigerian writer Chinua Achebe while arguing that young people should be allowed to express their political views.
“We will support each and every youth movement as long as they have vision and mission,” Otieno said.
The leaders also criticised recent remarks attributed to former President Uhuru Kenyatta about the 2022 General Election, saying they did not want renewed political divisions.
A youth leader identified only as Ainea said young people wanted leaders who would prioritise their concerns and give them greater space in political and development discussions.
“The youths are looking for leaders who value young people and give young people space to articulate their issues,” he said.
The meeting comes as political activity begins to increase ahead of the 2027 election, with parties and prospective candidates starting to position themselves across constituencies.
Ochieng is seeking the ODM ticket to contest the Kisumu Central parliamentary seat in 2027.
The youth leaders called for peaceful political engagement, greater youth participation and continued attention to development issues affecting residents of Kisumu Central and the wider Kisumu county.
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