Youths from across Kisumu’s seven sub-counties have hailed Principal Secretary for Interior Dr. Raymond Omollo for his youth empowerment and mentorship initiatives, calling on other elected leaders to emulate his efforts.
Speaking to the media on Monday, youth leader Frankline Wasonga described their Sunday meeting with Dr. Omollo and Dr. Ouma Oluga as a historic success. He expressed satisfaction with the outcomes, revealing that the PS provided them with 10 motorcycles, five tuk-tuks, and enrolled them in the Kazi Mtaani program to boost their economic opportunities.
“We had the privilege of meeting PS Omollo and Dr. Oluga. In the history of Nyanza, youths have never had such an opportunity. We never campaigned for this government ; we were simply invited. Let’s embrace and support this administration,” Wasonga said.
Wasonga also disclosed that the PS promised the youth a vehicle for business purposes and, humorously, a helicopter in the future.
The event, held at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports Ground, drew a large crowd of enthusiastic young people. However, tensions flared when the youth criticized Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda, accusing him of belittling Omollo’s empowerment initiatives. They urged the senator to cease being “jealous,” asserting that they had always respected and supported him.
The youths further appealed to Dr. Omollo to prioritize employing young people, warning that the rising insecurity in Kisumu is directly tied to unemployment. They called for more empowerment projects and reiterated that no previous leader had ever engaged them meaningfully.
“We are asking the PS to create jobs for the youth because insecurity is fueled by joblessness. No leader has ever sat down with us to listen to our issues,” they said.
Significantly, the youths vowed to abandon violent protests, including stone-throwing, emphasizing that they were disheartened to see senior leaders disparaging initiatives aimed at their development.
Earlier, during the launch of the Kisumu East Police Headquarters in Kasagam, Dr. Omollo had pledged to engage directly with Kisumu’s youth and women, stressing the urgent need for empowerment and job creation.
