HOMA BAY, Kenya — A section of youth leaders from Kasipul Constituency in Homa Bay County has endorsed the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Central Management Committee’s decision to pursue structured talks with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), saying the move signals a pre-election understanding that will strengthen the broad-based government.
Speaking during a youth engagement forum, West Kasipul MCA Vickins Bondo, who is also the patron of the Youth 4 Youth initiative, said UDA’s ratification of the proposed talks demonstrates goodwill between the two parties and lays the foundation for political stability ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“UDA’s acceptance of these talks shows that there is mutual understanding and goodwill between the two parties,” Bondo said.
“This cooperation will consolidate governance and help stabilise the political environment as we move closer to 2027.”
Youth empowerment and Gen Z protests
Bondo argued that a united political front would make it easier for government institutions to address outstanding national issues, including compensation for victims of the recent Gen Z-led protests that swept across parts of the country.
According to the MCA, political cooperation at the top would accelerate policy responses to youth grievances and help restore confidence among young people who feel economically and socially marginalised.
“The broad-based government has already put in place programmes aimed at empowering the youth economically and socially,” Bondo said. “I urge young people to rise up, organise themselves, and take advantage of these opportunities instead of allowing themselves to be used for political confrontations.”
He added that reduced political tension would create an enabling environment for development projects in Kasipul and the wider Homa Bay region, particularly in infrastructure, education, and youth enterprise support.
Call to end political violence
On her part, Beryl Onyango, an executive member of the Youth 4 Youth movement, welcomed the emerging rapprochement between ODM and UDA, saying it could help curb political violence that has historically affected young people.
“For a long time, political rivalry has fuelled hostility, and youths have often been used as the face of chaos,” Onyango said. “A merger of ideas and cooperation between ODM and UDA will reduce violence and allow young people to channel their energy into productive ventures.”
She noted that cross-party engagement would shift focus from confrontational politics to service delivery, accountability, and inclusive development.
The endorsement by Kasipul youths adds to a growing number of grassroots voices supporting structured dialogue between ODM and UDA under the broad-based government framework, which has already seen cooperation on legislative and policy initiatives in Parliament.
The youths called on leaders across the political divide to prioritise unity, national cohesion, and meaningful youth inclusion as Kenya navigates an evolving political landscape ahead of the next general election.
