Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi. Faith mateteA call for political unity in the Nyanza region dominated an ODM youth leadership engagement forum in Kisumu, as leaders urged the Luo community to remain united ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during the ODM party youth leadership engagement forum, Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi said the region risks losing political bargaining power if leaders and residents approach the next election divided.
Atandi said Nyanza’s voting strength can only influence national politics if leaders speak with one voice.
“When you look at our numbers in terms of voters, we are many. Added to the strength of unity we have, that has always put us at the forefront. But when we are not together, we lose our power. We should maintain unity and strengthen it ahead of 2027,” he said.
The MP further warned the community against allowing divisive politics that would scatter the community, and instead urged them to rally behind President William Ruto in the upcoming elections.
The MP also urged young people to actively participate in politics by vying for various elective positions.
“Young people are currently shaping Kenyan politics. Take your positions and vie for political seats. Do not wait to be called. We want to leave space for you to rise and lead in the coming years,” he added.
Atandi also rallied young people to come out in large numbers for the mega ODM rally on May 31 at Kirembe Grounds in the lakeside city.
He said the meeting, to be led by Oburu Odinga and ODM national chairperson Gladys Wanga, will serve as a declaration of unity within the community and the party.
“We want to invite all our people to come together as a united community and a united party. We are also extending an olive branch to leaders who may not currently be working with us to join hands for the development of our people,” he said.
On education, Atandi assured young people who had raised questions about TVET scholarships, saying there was an increase in government funding towards higher education and that TVET institutions could help tackle unemployment.
He noted that allocations to the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) are expected to increase from Sh40 billion to about Sh55 billion in the upcoming budget.
“We did not vote for this government, but it has welcomed us and given us opportunities. Let us organise ourselves so that in 2027 we elect the president we want while also ensuring our youth benefit economically,” he said.
Kisumu Central MP Joshua Oron. Faith Matete
“That money will be dispensed within weeks before the next budget cycle. We want peaceful politics and we do not want to lose or hurt people again because of political interests,” he said.
Kisumu Central MP Joshua Oron called on residents to mobilise in large numbers for the May 31 rally.
Oron said the meeting seeks to unite the Luo community under the leadership of Oburu Odinga and Gladys Wanga while strengthening ODM structures at the grassroots.
“We want every young person to mobilise for the mega rally at Kirembe. Unity is what will keep our political voice strong,” he said.
Businessman Edward Onyango, who is also eyeing the Kisumu Central parliamentary seat, said the Luo community has historically remained united in decision-making and should continue speaking with one voice.
“Our culture as a community is about unity in thinking and decision-making. The youth have raised serious concerns about unemployment and the high cost of living, and I believe our leaders have heard them,” Onyango said.
Businessman Edward Onyango. Faith Matete
“We should all come out in huge numbers at Kirembe Grounds and champion unity as a party and as a community,” he added.
Kisumu County Chief Officer for Education Bovince Ochieng also challenged young people to register as voters and participate fully in the 2027 elections.
Ochieng, who is also vying for the Kisumu Central MP seat, said the youth hold the key to the country’s political future and must use their numbers wisely.
“Young people must take voter cards seriously and come out in large numbers to vote in 2027. Leadership starts with participation,” he said
