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| MP Caleb Amisi speaking at a past event (l). President William Ruto in a meeting with UDM party leaders at State House (C). ODM leader Raila Odinga in Addis Ababa (r). |
Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi has urged the younger generation to respect opposition leader Raila Odinga’s contributions to Kenya’s political freedom and shift their focus toward addressing the nation’s current challenges.
Why Caleb Amisi wants respect for Raila Speaking on the legacy of the ODM leader, Amisi highlighted Raila’s sacrifices during the fight for multipartism, contrasting them with what he described as the apathy of today’s youth. He noted that while Raila faced imprisonment in the fight for democracy, many now disregard his efforts and instead attack ODM leaders.
“When Raila was in prison fighting for multipartism, some of your parents were busy dining with late former president Daniel Moi,” he claimed. Reflecting on his own experience, Amisi recounted allegedly narrowly escaping death during the 2017 electoral reform protests. “When I nearly died from police bullets fighting for electoral reforms in 2017, you may have been busy smoking “shisha” or watching movies.
Don’t wake up today and start abusing ODM leaders carelessly,” the MP warned. He emphasised that meaningful leadership requires integrity, substance, and focus, adding that politics is a game of numbers, not rhetoric, innuendos, or abuses. The MP called on young activists to respect the legacy of freedom fighters, pointing out that globally, such figures are celebrated, not criticised by those who lack historical context. Who should Kenyans blame for Kenya’s challenges?
The outspoken lawmaker also urged the youth to hold President William Ruto’s administration accountable for Kenya’s current issues. Additionally, Amisi challenged the younger generation to embrace their responsibilities. He emphasised that every era has unique challenges, and it is up to the current generation to rise and address them. “You elected Ruto so that Raila can clear your mess? No. Raila’s status in the African history of liberation can never be erased. Focus on Ruto and leave Baba to take charge of his destiny.
Every generation rises to do what needs to be done. You are now called upon as a generation to rise and do what needs to be done. Raila can not help four generations from your grandfather to your granddaughter. Wake up and do your part,” he stated. How will Ruto win Nyanza votes?
Previously, Amisi cautioned political leaders to exercise caution as the 2027 General Election approaches, warning of potential strategies by President William Ruto to secure votes in opposition strongholds. Amisi claimed that Ruto might employ tactics similar to those used in the 2022 elections, particularly in the Nyanza region. According to the MP, the president could allocate substantial funds to influence certain ODM leaders in the area, thereby swaying voters.
by Nancy Odindo
