Raila is not a traitor, Kisumu Gen-Zs declare

By Peter Ochieng

Some youth in Kisumu who fall under the Gen-Z category have defended ODM party leader Raila Odinga, after he was branded a traitor by hundreds of Kenyans on X.

Shortly after Odinga declared calls for dialogue with President William Ruto’s administration on Tuesday, he was attacked by youth on social media who stated that the former Prime Minister does not speak on their behalf.

"We agreed that we give people an opportunity to be heard, to express themselves, to come out with the grievances which are actually ailing our country today so that a lasting solution can be found,” Odinga said, after witnessing President Ruto sign the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Amendment Bill 2024, into law.

Addressing the press in Kisumu on Thursday, Gen-Zs led by Brian Omollo and Lilian Atieno poured cold water on claims that Odinga is a traitor, noting that if anything, the former Premier has always had the interests of the nation at heart.

Omollo said the signing of the IEBC Bill will put in place the electoral commission, which will facilitate the recalling of Members of Parliament (MPs) who irked the electorate by voting in favour of the withdrawn Finance Bill, 2024.

“A number of Kenyans are also extremely unhappy with their elected leaders whom they wish to recall. The signing of the Bill gives the Gen-Zs and Kenyans generally a chance to recall the leaders they don’t like,” said Omollo, a student at Riat Institute of Advanced Technology (RIAT).

“We cannot emphasize strongly enough that going forward the country needs an electoral body whose structure can withstand pressure, whose members inspire confidence and trust and whose integrity is above reproach,” he added.

In addition, Lilian Atieno urged political leaders to address the plight of people reportedly abducted, killed or injured during three weeks of anti-government protests. “We want justice,” she insisted.

Meanwhile, ODM Kisumu branch leaders have rallied behind their leader, terming Odinga as a man after ensuring that the government addresses the plight of Kenyans.

Led by Paul Akeyo, Kisumu County ODM coordinator and his vice, Market Milimani MCA Seth Ochieng said that Odinga has always acted, whenever the country is headed in the wrong direction.

“We must also align and demand the immediate addressing of all issues being raised by the youth and across sections of Kenyans,” they said.

They said they will support Odinga “Today, tomorrow and during the 2027 presidential contest.”