PRESS STATEMENT BY THE ODM YOUTH LEAGUE ON PARTY AFFAIRS

PRESS STATEMENT BY THE ODM YOUTH LEAGUE ON PARTY AFFAIRS The ODM is, has been and remains a strong political movement in Kenya, founded on the philosophy of social democracy and equity. It is a party that has strongest roots in every corner of the republic and a powerful ideology that is shared with many people. Since its inception in the run-up to the 2005 referendum on the infamous Kilifi-draft constitution, the ODM has walked through tempestuous times to reach where it is today. It boasts of many successes including having the highest number of legislators in two successive parliaments and controlling majority of County Governments and Assemblies. It however, remains the most stable political party in Kenya, envied by the others that remain seasonal. As we approach the 2017 general election, our political detractors will want to do everything possible, including spending public money to try and destabilize our party. As the ODM Youth League, we say NO to this. Like a locomotive engine, we remain strong. We reaffirm our commitment to our party leader the Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga and fully support his bid for the country’s Presidency. He fits the bill. As the youth leaders of the party, we are embarking on an ambitious ‘get the vote’ programme where we shall visit all parts of the country to sensitize, mobilize and educate the youths on the need to register as voters and get out to vote on the election day. Application for Identity Cards for youths who have attained the age of 18 years will be part of this programme. The on-going Kikao County Forums dubbed “Ujana si Hukumu” is one of the activities lined up to have the youth meet and interact with the party leader who is normally invited to grace them. We support this initiative and urge our youths to support it too. In encouraging many youths to go for elective posts in the next general election, the OYL shall propose to the party NEC to consider reducing the nomination fee for the youthful aspirants who want to vie for the various elective positions. This is part of youth empowerment that ODM has always championed for. As young people, our visions are vibrant, and our hearts are open. We believe that the bad guy always loses the focus and that the tooth fairy sneaks into our rooms at night to put money under our pillow. Everything amazes us, and we think anything is possible. We continuously experience life with a sense of newness and unbridled curiosity. As the OYL, we remain focused. We remain steadfast. We remain united behind our party leader. No amount of spending by our antagonists shall dissuade us from resolve to rally the country’s youth behind the Raila candidacy. We shall not be cowed by the self-seeking politicians whose aim is only to satisfy their stomachs and in the end leave us to continue with our day-to-day hustles and bustles. Those who have opted to alight from the journey to a better and brighter Kenya, we will not fault them, we shall not cry for them, the best we will do is to wish the well and tell them these words by Socrates “He who is not contented with what he has, would not be contented with what he would like to have”. Thank you and God Bless Kenya. Orange Democratic Movement, Orange House Kilimani, Box 2478-00202 Nairobi