Kisumu youth to Raila: Ruto is your student, speak to him

By Peter Ochieng

Section of youth in Kisumu are urging Azimio leader Raila Odinga to call off protests, and speak to president William Ruto.

Addressing the press in Kisumu on Tuesday, the youth aligned to the ruling United Democtratic Alliance (UDA) party said demos are causing political and economic instability in the country.

Led by Odhiambo Liete, Stephen Oduor, Boaz Otieno Ochieng and Jeronim Akinyi, they said Odinga should call the president for talks in order to air out his grievances for a long lasting solution to be found.

The Azimio leader has numerously stated that he is pushing for lowering of prices of basic commodities.

"Ruto is your student. You are the one who taught him difficult terrains in politics. Talk to him," said Liete.

He urged leaders within the ruling Kenya Kwanza Alliance to work for Kenyans, instead of wasting time hitting back at members of the opposition.

Liete told the ODM party boss to relax and plan to oust Ruto from power through the ballot in 2027, "If he will have the energy to do it."

On his part, Oduor urged youth in Kisumu not to turn up for the planned demos on Wednesday, 12th July, 2023.

He said during the last protests called by the opposition on Friday last week, two people died while dozens got injured after confrontations with security officers in Kisumu.

"Demonstrations are making youth to lose lives. It cannot be that after every election, we are used to throw stones, later on no politician comes to help us," said Oduor.

He said it was wrong for youth to be used during demos, and later elbowed out of the picture whenever politicians sit down to share leadership positions.

Jeronim called on the youth to mind their presence and future, and decline to be misused by the political class.