Ida Odinga has challenged politicians who hire youths to provide security and cause disruptions during political events to instead empower them economically and help transform their lives.
Speaking in South Gem Ward during the burial of Prof. Jacob Ogweno Midiwo on Saturday, Ida, the widow of the late Raila Odinga, expressed concern over the growing trend of politicians using educated young people to cause chaos at public gatherings.
Making her first public appearance since the burial of her husband, Ida said it was painful to see young people being misused by leaders who should instead support them and create opportunities for their economic empowerment.
She noted that the Luo community has produced many accomplished professionals, including professors, engineers and doctors, and urged young people to aspire to similar achievements.
“Let our youths aim higher so that in future they can earn these titles. Do not allow yourselves to be used to do useless things such as beating or harassing people. Please avoid such behaviour,” she said.
Ida also condemned the conduct of some youths at the funeral, accusing them of disrupting proceedings in exchange for handouts from politicians.
“I am shocked by the actions of some youths at this funeral. They do not seem to appreciate the pain the Midiwo family is going through after losing a loved one. They are here merely to make noise as leaders speak so that they can receive handouts from those who hired them,” she said.
She warned the youths that they were only serving the interests of politicians who fear competition and mistakenly believe that causing chaos at public gatherings can boost their popularity.
“You behave as though none of you has ever lost a loved one. When such a tragedy strikes your own family, you will pray for people to come and stand with you,” she added.
Ida cautioned that unless the trend is addressed, it could escalate into a major security challenge ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“Hooliganism can easily trigger violence and undermine peaceful political engagement in the Nyanza region,” she said.
She urged young people not to allow themselves to be used as tools of violence and political intimidation.
Her remarks come amid growing concern over the increasing use of hired goons to disrupt political meetings and public gatherings.
Recently, President William Ruto warned that politicians who lack a clear agenda often deploy goons to mask their shortcomings. He directed Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and the National Police Service to crack down on such groups.
The President also described the youths involved as victims of exploitation by unscrupulous politicians and expressed confidence that they could be rehabilitated and guided towards productive lives.
At the same time, Ida cautioned students against burning schools and other educational institutions.
A former teacher, she said she had mobilised resources throughout her career to improve school infrastructure and found it heartbreaking to see such investments destroyed through arson.
“When I see schools in flames, I see wasted resources and the dreams of students being shattered,” she said.
She urged parents to engage their school-going children and guide them on the importance of education and responsible behaviour.
“Those who burn schools are not punishing teachers or parents. They are destroying their own future. If you find learning difficult, pack your belongings and leave peacefully. Schools are the institutions that shape people into successful members of society,” she said.
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