ODM party leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga has called on the government to shift greater attention towards creating jobs for educated young Kenyans, warning that unemployment could threaten the country’s democratic stability.
Speaking during the handover ceremony of the Raila Odinga Mausoleum at Kango ka Jaramogi in Siaya County, Oburu said infrastructure development must be matched with investment in human development.
He said thousands of educated young people were struggling to find employment despite having the skills needed to contribute to the economy.
“Our greatest concern today lies with our educated young men, brilliant, capable youth who have gone through school but find themselves at crossroads without job opportunities,” Oburu said.
He warned that prolonged unemployment could expose young people to desperation and destructive activities, including political violence and goonism.
Oburu urged the government to use the broad-based government arrangement to expand employment opportunities through industrialisation, technology and agriculture.
“True democratic stability is anchored on economic dignity,” he said, calling for greater efforts to ensure young people have meaningful economic opportunities.
His remarks came as the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga family formally received the mausoleum built in honour of his late brother, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Oburu described the facility as more than a place of burial, saying it would serve as a centre for democracy and preserve the history of Kenya’s struggle for freedom, constitutionalism and justice.
The centre will house a modern library containing historical archives, research materials and digital repositories documenting Kenya’s political history.
It will also feature a gallery and exhibition spaces showcasing artefacts, speeches and key moments in the country’s journey towards constitutional democracy.
Oburu linked Raila’s legacy to that of their father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, saying the two generations had played a significant role in Kenya’s struggle for political freedom and democratic reforms.
He also praised ODM as a key institution in Kenya’s democratic history, citing its contribution to multiparty democracy, devolution and institutional accountability.
Oburu further expressed support for President William Ruto’s administration and the broad-based government arrangement, saying political cooperation had contributed to national stability and development.
He cited initiatives in healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, education and the Sovereign Wealth Fund as areas where he said the government had made progress.
Oburu thanked Ruto for supporting efforts to preserve Raila’s legacy and said the family appreciated his role in ensuring the mausoleum was completed.
The project was implemented through a multi-agency effort involving the Kenya Defence Forces, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Public Works.
The mausoleum is scheduled to be officially opened on October 15, 2026.
Towards the end of his speech, Oburu briefly addressed concerns about his health, saying he was following doctors’ instructions to rest and limit his physical engagements. He did not confirm reports circulating on social media that he had been hospitalised.
He instead assured those present that he remained fully engaged with the ceremony and committed to the unity of Kenyans.