Writes Leo Odera Omolo

The ODM party youths were advised at the weekend to respect all the elected leaders, and at the same time engaged themselves on gainful occupation instead of being hired by politicians like mercenaries for the purpose of heckling their perceived opponents.

This is because the youths plays a pivotal part in promoting the party’s development agenda and therefore must work hard in promoting the presidential ambition of the party leader Raila Odinga comes 2012.

The remarks were made by the youth coordinator in Nyanza Hilary Ochieng’ Alila when he addressed hund4ed of mourners during the burial of the late Geore Otieno, the ODM youth leader in Rangwe. He was buried at his parents homestead in Kagan-Gondo in Homa Bay district within.

The late Otieno died after a short illness two weeks ago. Among the mourners was the Rangwe MP Martin Ot9eno Ogindo, the ODM regional coordinator Mrs Monica Amolo, the entire civic leadership in Homa-Bay Township headed by the Mayor and his deputy.

Alila, who is contesting the position of the Homa Bay County Senator created by the new constitutional dispensation, advised the youths to stop being idle and engaged in non-gainful activities such as heckling leaders at public rallies and other unbecoming behavior which are prejudicial to political stability if the country and peaceful co-existence of all Kenyan.

He advised the youths present at the funeral to emulate the example of the late Otieno that of selfishness and true patriotism.

He said the impending party grass root election would be free for all those who wished to contest the elective position within the party hierarchy, but reminded the mourners that respect was a two way

This was the first time in the Kagan-Gongo area for members of the public to come face to face with those aspirants who have declared their interest in the regional governance such as Senate, governor and other senior slots. The Rangwe MP Otieno Ogindo is said to be keen in contesting the position of the County governor against his arch-political rival Eng.Okundi who is also in the race for the same post. But he did not speak about his candidature at the gathering and only called for peaceful party elections.

Mrs Amolo said she would contest one of the top positions in the ODM Homa-Bay County branch. But she did not specify as to which seat she would contest.

It was Alila who was the center of attraction at the venue, because of the presence of hundreds of youths, who cheered up continuously. He told the leaders to preach the gospel of love and unity all the time.

Meanwhile reports’ emerging from Kendu-Bay Town in Rachuonyo North district says that a group of drunken youths had tried to disrupt a meeting of about 300 women at Kendu-Bay Town, but were repulsed by youth allied to the area MP Eng. James Rege.

The youth suspected to be the supporters of one aspirant for a top position in Homa-Bay County shouted and tried to disrupt the women’s meeting.

The area MP Eng. Rege strongly condemned whoever was behind an attempt by the drunken youth to disrupt the women meeting saying that freedom of association including that of meetings is no negotiable. Because it is well ent5enchedin the constitution. Using youth to disrupt other people meeting is tantamount a breach of peace. It is mockery of the tenets of democratic principles.

Ends
leooderaomolo@yahoo.com