Kisumu Women Rep Ruth Odinga has praised residents for maintaining calm and order during a recent political rally, even as she accused unnamed leaders of attempting to disrupt the meeting.
In a statement, Odinga thanked the people of Kisumu, saying they had demonstrated political maturity despite heightened tensions in the lead-up to the event.
“Today, you demonstrated to the world that Kisumu remains a bastion of peace and democratic maturity. Despite the tension fueled by a few, you chose to engage with dignity and decorum,” she said.
However, she alleged that some political actors had sought to block the gathering by mobilising youth to cause chaos.
“It is a matter of public record that certain leaders attempted to block this meeting, going as far as mobilizing and funding a section of our youth to disrupt the rally,” she said.
According to Odinga, the alleged attempts failed as residents rejected what she termed as manipulation.
“Fortunately, their attempts backfired. You saw through these tactics and refused to be used as pawns in a game of political sabotage,” she added.
She took issue with what she described as “transactional politics,” warning against the use of young people to advance political agendas.
“The days of treating our youth as hired muscles or commodities to be bought for a few coins are over. ‘Politics of the pocket’ is a direct insult to the intelligence of our voters and a threat to democracy,” she said.
Odinga also emphasised the importance of constitutional freedoms, noting that the rights to movement and association must be upheld.
“The freedoms of movement and association are not favours granted by individuals; they are sacred rights enshrined in our Bill of Rights,” she said.
She urged leaders to embrace dialogue and issue-based politics, saying intimidation and exploitation undermine democratic processes.
“True leaders win hearts and minds through dialogue and ideas, not through intimidation or the exploitation of our young people,” she said.
Her remarks come amid rising political activity in Kisumu, with rival camps intensifying mobilisation efforts ahead of future contests.
