Ida Odinga, the wife of ODM party leader Raila Odinga, has appealed to Kenyan youth to stay away from street protests, saying the situation is becoming increasingly dangerous.
Speaking in Migori on Friday, July 11, she expressed deep concern about the growing number of young people being killed during demonstrations, often at the hands of rogue police officers.
She urged the youth to think twice before participating in protests, warning that their deaths are leaving mothers heartbroken and families in pain.
“To our young people, before you go out to demonstrate, I ask you to reflect on your roots and your families.
Don’t just join protests without considering the risks. When you get killed out there, it brings sorrow to your mothers, and even to me. I sincerely ask you not to go,” Ida said emotionally.
She made the remarks during the funeral of the son of Suna West MP Peter Masara, who died a week ago. In her speech, Ida condemned the police for using excessive force against protesters, saying many of the deaths are senseless and cruel.
She shared that as a mother who has experienced the agony of losing a child, she deeply understands the pain that affected parents go through.
“When we read the Bible, we see that Rachel mourned deeply when her sons were killed. I feel the same sorrow when I see our young men being shot or injured. It doesn’t matter where it happens—it’s simply wrong, and I am extremely upset about it,” said Ida, who was recently ordained as a Canon in the Anglican Church of Kenya.
She also criticized some of the youth who were present at the funeral, accusing them of showing disrespect during the event.
According to her, a group of youths heckled an ODM Governor who was in attendance and even went as far as physically pushing her. Ida expressed her disappointment over the incident, saying such behaviour was inappropriate and unacceptable during a solemn occasion.
“I was truly upset by what some of you did. You cannot treat a Governor that way. We are gathered here to mourn the loss of a young life, not to engage in politics. Such uncivil behaviour should never happen again,” she warned.
Ida referred to the chaotic scene that unfolded moments before she gave her address. She made it clear that she did not want any disruption when she was ready to leave the venue.
“When I’m done here and it’s time for me to leave, I want all the youth standing in this area to clear the way and let me pass. I came here by chopper and I know exactly where it landed. I don’t want anyone trying to follow me,” she added firmly.
Her remarks come in the wake of ongoing youth-led protests across the country, with many young people taking to the streets to express frustration over high living costs, police brutality, and lack of accountability in the Kenya Kwanza administration.
The protests have sparked national outrage, particularly due to the harsh police response.
According to data released by the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), over 30 young people have been killed during the recent Saba Saba protests alone.
The situation has raised serious concerns among parents, human rights activists, and church leaders alike, many of whom are calling for justice and restraint from the authorities.
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