KISUMU, 23rd Sept 2026 —A group of young leaders from Kisumu Central have drawn a line under the 2022 presidential election debate, urging political leaders to focus on development, youth inclusion and the future of Kenya.
Speaking in Kisumu on Wednesday, youth leader Bovince Ochieng said young people had moved on from the disputed election and were more interested in shaping the country’s future.
“As young people, 2022 is behind us. We have moved forward. We are looking at the future of this nation together as a region,” Ochieng said.
His remarks came after former President Uhuru Kenyatta reportedly revisited aspects of the 2022 election, alleging Raila’s stolen victory.
Ochieng, who is an aspirant for the Kisumu Central Constituency seat in the 2027 general polls, criticised the intervention, saying the country should concentrate on current national priorities.
“The remarks that were made by the former president yesterday were uncalled for, referring to or giving reference to the 2022 election that is under the bridge,” he said.
Ochieng defended Raila Odinga’s decision to work with President William Ruto, describing the move as an effort to promote peace and cooperation.
He also praised Ruto’s administration for what he described as increased development activity in Kisumu County, citing the upgrading of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital, road construction, affordable housing programs and ongoing modernisation of Moi Stadium.
Ochieng said Kisumu County had more than 66 development projects, with over Sh.50 billion shillings being invested as part of an initiative to spur the Lake region’s economy.
He urged young people not just in Kisumu but across the country to participate in national affairs and reject ethnic politics.
“We do not advocate for ethnic groupings; we are tribeless. And we are going into this election looking at the national agenda on the table,” Ochieng said.
Philip Kai, a youth advocate from Kisumu County, also took aim at Kenyatta’s remarks, urging the former president to allow the current administration to govern.
“Kindly don’t sabotage the Ruto-led administration,” Kai said.
He referred to the Supreme Court ruling of 2022 upholding the presidential election and argued that political leaders should now focus on governance and development.
Kai said the region’s youth had resolved to support the Ruto administration, citing what he described as development projects in Nyanza.
“We, as youths, have decided and decided with one voice that we are supporting the government of William Ruto,” he said.
The leaders called for peace, greater youth participation in decision-making and continued investment in Kisumu, while urging political actors to avoid rhetoric they believe could deepen divisions.
