Migori Senator Eddy Oketch has raised concerns over the sidelining of young leaders ahead of the planned Linda Ground rally in Malindi, Kilifi County, warning that the trend could weaken youth engagement within the opposition.
The Linda Ground rallies, associated with the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition and led by Raila Odinga, have become a key platform for addressing governance, cost of living, and accountability issues.
However, Oketch says the organization of these forums is failing to meaningfully include young people.
In a statement, the senator criticized what he described as the “non-intentional involvement” of youth in both party leadership and major political events.
He said he has, for over a year, raised concerns internally within party structures and engaged top leadership on the need for greater youth inclusion, but little has changed.
“This is where the problem begins in the party,” Oketch said, adding that the situation is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
He questioned the absence of prominent young leaders in the planning and execution of the Malindi rally, arguing that their exclusion undermines efforts to attract and inspire younger supporters.
He pointed to figures such as Winnie Odinga, Irene Mayaka, Phelix Odiwuor (Jalang’o) and Amina Mnyazi, asking why they are not visibly involved.
Oketch said the issue goes beyond representation, warning against what he sees as tokenism.
He argued that featuring young leaders in campaign materials without involving them in decision-making does little to strengthen their role in the party.
“And not just having youthful faces in posters, but also honestly involving them in the financial and programmatic planning of these activities,” he said.
The senator also signaled a tougher stance from younger leaders within the party, saying they will no longer wait to be included. “We will not demand for respect, we will take respect,” he stated.