Migori youths vow to stop demos after ODM Cabinet deal

Migori youth speak, vow to cease protests after four ODM officials were nominated to the Cabinet, July 24, 2024. [Anne Atieno, Standard]

A section of youths in Migori County have vowed to stop anti-government protests after President William Ruto nominated four ODM leaders to Cabinet.

The youths who addressed the press at Posta grounds, Migori town, promised to give the president time to address their demands.

They expressed joy at the turn of events saying it was the first time they were witnessing such appointments in Nyanza.

Furthermore, the youths urged the president to order the release of their peers who were arrested and abducted during protests.

“We will not continue with demonstrations. The president has addressed some of our demands,” Collins Omondi said.

Barack Otieno, chairman Young Business Association in Suna West said they are fully behind the ODM party.

“We are giving the president room to deliver what he promised Gen Zs and fulfil the demands of the ODM party. We will pose the protests until the ODM party leader gives us the way forward,” Otieno said.

David Odhiambo, another youth said they were delighted that the president kept his promise of working with other political formations.

They were optimistic that the ODM nominees to the Cabinet are competent and would deliver.

“We have seen that he has chosen to work with the people from ODM. The two deputy chairmen of ODM, ODM chairman and Minority Leader in the National Assembly. We believe that they will take Kenya to the next level,” Odhiambo said.

He appealed to youths to stop protests and allow the President and the new Cabinet to work.

“I believe this is the time that we should give the president a chance and try him again,” Odhiambo said.

Joseph Otiep, a youth in Migori town asked President Ruto to hold talks centered on delivering justice for victims of anti-government protests and ensure release of youths who were arrested and abducted.

“This has happened for the sake of Gen Zs. What is left is dialogue,” Otiep said.

The youths’ sentiments came after a section of MCAs called on Gen Zs to stop protests.

Macalder-Kanyarwanda MCA Felix Okwanyo told Gen Zs in Migori to cease going to the streets.

“We have been fighting for this country and this is not our battle,” Okwanyo said.

Collince Osewe, North Kamagambo MCA appealed to Gen Z to give the president and the new Cabinet time to deliver government agenda and steer reforms they have been yearning for.

South Kanyamkago MCA Graham Kagali said they were ready to support the four ODM nominees.

“We believe that the country will now be calm and give room for progress,” Kagali said.

West Kanyamkago MCA Peter Mijungu who appreciated the president for having thought it wise to include the four ODM nominees in the Cabinet said they are competent and should be given an opportunity to serve the government.