By C, KNA
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) youth leaders in Kisumu County have issued a stern warning to politicians who incite or bankroll electoral violence, saying young people will no longer allow themselves to be used as tools of chaos during political contests.
Speaking in Kisumu on Sunday, the youth leaders condemned incidents of disruption reported during the just-concluded by-elections, urging security agencies to act decisively against perpetrators.
Kisumu West Sub-County ODM youth leader Kaliech Sam said youths must not be dragged into violence by individuals seeking personal political gain.
“We are not going to bleed so that others lead. We want the police to apprehend those who instigated chaos in various polling stations. Young people refuse to be used for violence—our future is bigger than anyone’s political ambition,” Kaliech said.
Muhoroni Sub-county youth leader George Kenneth Odek echoed the sentiments, accusing certain politicians of exploiting economic hardship to lure young people into confrontations.
He said such manipulation must stop, adding that youths deserve to participate in politics peacefully and with dignity.
“Those who claim ODM youths are finished are the same people trying to push them into violence. We refuse,” Odek said. “Our strength is in peaceful organisation, not chaos.”
Seme Sub-County ODM youth leader Sammy Ooro, urged young people across the county to unite against individuals who profit from tension during elections.
He called on the youth to defend democratic values and report those attempting to mobilise them for unlawful activities.
Ooro further urged communities to reject fearmongering, noting that violence undermines development and weakens democratic participation.
“ODM is a democratic party that creates space for young leaders, not violence,” he said.
The youth leaders celebrated ODM’s clean sweep in the by-elections, saying the victories demonstrated that Kenyans prefer peaceful mobilisation over intimidation.
They said the triumph reaffirmed ODM’s dominance even after the passing of former party leader Raila Odinga.
The win, they said, was a stamp of authority that ODM remains the strongest political party in the country, thanking national and county leadership—among them Party Leader Oburu Oginga and national chairperson Gladys Wanga—for coordinating a peaceful and successful campaign.
The youth leaders congratulated MP’s elect Boyd Were (Kasipul), Moses Omondi (Ugunja) and Harrison Kombe (Magarini), saying their victories signaled renewed energy and discipline within the party’s youthful ranks.
They vowed to rally the youths in the Nyanza region and other parts of the country behind the Orange party to ensure it remains a formidable force ahead of the 2027 general elections.