How youth rage forced Raila to skip Albert Ojwang's burial

Mourners escorting the body of slain teacher Albert Ojwang at their home Mawego, Homa Bay County. [Michael Mute, Standard]

A family member of slain teacher Albert Ojwang yesterday revealed that ODM leader Raila Odinga was advised not to attend the burial in Homa Bay because mourners were enraged.

Ms Jane Adeya, Ojwang's cousin, said the mourners, especially the youths, did not want anyone linked to the broad-based government to address them.

Ms Adeya said Raila was told by the burial committee and told not to go to the burial. She said this is the first time Raila was barred from attending a burial in Luo Nyanza.

"I just came from the burial of my cousin Ojwang', and I can say that the youth are enraged and unpredictable. Raila told not to attend the burial," said Ms. Adeya.

She said that the youth only wanted to listen to Embakasi East MP Babu Owino because of his stand against the broad-based government.

READ: 'You can't kill us and lead us': Mourners demand police reforms as Albert Ojwang laid to rest

"The youth prepared their own OB and recorded the time the body arrived and the time it was buried with strict instruction on who to address them to," she said.

Ms Adeya is part of the movement established by women to champion for peace before, during, and after the 2027 General Elections.

Adeya said that the government should listen to the youths and implement their needs.

She said the rage among the youths witnessed in Homa Bay during Ojwabg' burial was scary.

"Where we are going is not good. I pray for peace. Let us accept and allow for peaceful demonstrations," said Ms Adeya.

The movement, Mama Kenya Movement, also called for dialogue to end the protracted protests of the Gen Zs against the government.

According to the movement's founder, Ms. Amina Ridhwani, those recruited will champion peace and electoral justice in Kenya before, during, and after the elections.

"We call upon all political players to uphold peace, human rights, and democracy. The government should give the youths a listening ear and address the issues facing them.

Our children have lost hope and are stressed. My son has a master's degree but has no job. As women we say, Give them a listening ear," said Ridhwani.

Ridhwani said the movement will also help address the rising cases of mental health issues in the community.

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According to Baba Mdogo, a youth leader, the government is yet to implement the seven demands the Gen-Z outlined, including recycling of retired and ousted politicians.

"We are demanding accountability as we move forward. We urge all the youths to join us and the police to do the right things," said Mdogo.

Mdogo called for peace and dialogue between youths and the government.

"The Gen Z gave seven demands. As young people we are not accepting corruption anymore. We urge for peace and dialogue, and we urge to be heard," said Mdogo.

Hesbon Oyoo said that Ruto has left the youths outside the national cake, and they are frustrated with the lack of employment and investment opportunities.

"It is high time the government sat down with the youths and included them in the national cake. Ruto said he will not have a recycled leadership, but he is leaving the youths outside the national cake. They have papers and are tired of recycled leaders and retired governors," said Oyoo.

Rwandan preacher Mrangira Uwitije urged for peace, warning that the current political intolerance is a recipe for war.