Youth leaders from the six wards of Kisumu Central Constituency on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, held a meeting with Kisumu Central parliamentary aspirant Bovince Ochieng, where they discussed the future of the constituency, youth participation in politics and the need to focus on development.
The meeting came amid renewed political debate surrounding the 2022 presidential election and the evolving relationship between the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and President William Ruto’s administration.
Ochieng, who is also the Kisumu County Chief Officer for Education, told the youth that they should move beyond the 2022 political contest and concentrate on issues affecting the country and the region today.
“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.
He argued that young people should actively participate in national and local political discussions instead of remaining spectators.
According to Ochieng, the youth have an important role to play in shaping the country’s future because they form a significant part of the population and are directly affected by decisions made by political leaders.
During the meeting, Ochieng also defended the decision by the late former Prime Minister and ODM leader Raila Odinga to work with President William Ruto, describing the cooperation as an effort aimed at promoting peace and allowing the country to move forward.
He pointed to various development projects in Kisumu and Nyanza as examples of what he described as the benefits of cooperation between the national government and the region.
Among the projects he cited were improvements at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), road projects, affordable housing and plans involving the Standard Gauge Railway.
Ochieng also referred to the government’s recently announced investments in Kisumu County, including the KSh8.4 billion Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation Project.
He urged the youth to engage government at both national and county levels with ideas that can improve service delivery and create opportunities for young people.
The youth leaders who attended the meeting also called for peaceful political competition ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Youth leader Edwin Otieno said young people should judge political leaders based on their records and the development they bring to the people rather than political rhetoric.
He also warned political leaders against using young people to cause violence during elections.
“We want a peaceful election,” Otieno said, urging political actors to allow young people to participate in political discussions while respecting democratic processe.
Although Ochieng has been publicly supporting engagement with the Ruto administration on development issues, he also urged young people to remain engaged with ODM.
He called on the youth to join the party, saying ODM remained an important vehicle for political participation in the region following the death of its former party leader, Raila Odinga.
The meeting brought together youth leaders drawn from the six wards within Kisumu Central Constituency, with some expressing support for Ochieng’s parliamentary bid.
Ochieng said the political future of Kisumu Central should be centred on issues affecting residents, particularly young people, rather than past political contests.
“We are looking forward. We will not look backward. We are soldiering on, and we are not moving backward,” he said.The engagement comes as political activity gradually intensifies ahead of the 2027 General Election, with aspirants in Kisumu Central beginning to position themselves and engage different groups across the constituency.
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