Students from Rongo and Tom Mboya universities are frustrated with government authorities for barring them from meeting former Prime Minister Raila Odinga during his recent visit to the county last Thursday.
The students spoke to Education News on Friday and shared that they had received information about Raila’s visit.
They quickly made plans to meet him after his long journey from the African Union contest in Ethiopia, which ended unfavorably.
One of the students, Willy Oketch, stated, “He is our elder statesman, and we felt obliged to meet him and gain wisdom from him.”
The eager students criticized Governor Ochillo Ayacko’s aides for treating Raila’s visit as a personal event and urged them to recognise that Raila is a public figure valued by all Kenyans.
Students from Tom Mboya University called on Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga to consider public sentiment regarding their desire to connect with Raila and to create an environment that would allow them to meet him during his future visits to Homa Bay County.
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“We are not engaging in politics; we simply want inclusive opportunities to connect with our national leaders,” said Dickens Osere.
Raila reportedly started a consultative mission across the Nyanza region after his recent loss in the race for the AU chairmanship.
Governor Ochilo Ayacko confirmed that he hosted Raila at the Migori County Government headquarters, alongside top government officials, religious leaders, ODM party leaders, and youth representatives.
“The former Prime Minister had the opportunity to engage with leaders from various sectors in the region, and we hope for a positive outcome,” said governor.
At a hotel in Migori on Friday morning, Raila thanked the Migori Governor for the warm welcome. “Migori County has welcomed me well as I continue my consultative journey in the region. Thank you for the reception, Governor Ochillo Ayacko,” he said.
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