Why Raila wants youth to join ODM, hints at return to demos

By Peter Ochieng

Orange Democtratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga wants youth to join the political formation in droves.

Speaking at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports ground in Kisumu on Monday afternoon, during the launch of ODM membership registration drive, Odinga said youth will make the party strong, going foward.

"Youth should join the party so that it becomes strong. The party is strong when its youth league is strong," said the former Prime Minister, who largely addressed the gathering in dholuo.

Odinga said old people who have worked for the party for long should now take a back seat, but only if youth register to become members.

The ODM party leader said majority of youth in the country do not have national Identification Cards (IDs), an important document for one to register as a member of a party.

He reiterated his stand against the government's proposal to charge Kenyans applying for IDs, or those seeking to have them replaced.

"Many youth have no IDs. IDs should be given out free of charge. An ID is a fundamental right of each and every Kenyan. It should be given out freely," said Odinga.

Additionally, Odinga gave a hint of going back to the streets over a range of issues, including high cost of living and claims of corruption in the country.

He said he will give his supporters a way foward on Thursday, this week.

The opposition leader has moved around Nyanza counties launching the ODM membership drive.

The exercise was first launched in Siaya, then Homabay and Migori respectively. ODM leaders will be in Kisii County for a similar exercise on Tuesday.

According to data shared by Mathew Owili, Kisumu deputy governor, Busia leads in ODM registration at 65.9 per cent, followed by Kisumu (63%), Hombay (60%), Siaya (52%), and Kisii 50 per cent.

Odinga is an ODM registered number 00002, while Kisumu governor Anyang' Nyong'o is number 00006.