Revealed: Why Raila did not attend Albert Ojwang's burial

A family member of slain teacher Albert Ojwang yesterday revealed that ODM leader Raila Odinga was advised not to attend his burial in Homa Bay because mourners were enraged.

Ms Jane Adeya, Ojwang's cousin, said the mourners, especially the youths, did not want anyone linked to the broad-based government to address them.

Ms Adeya said Raila was told by the burial committee not to go to the burial. She said this is the first time Raila was barred from attending a burial in Luo Nyanza.

"I just came from the burial of my cousin Ojwang', and I can say that the youth are enraged and unpredictable. Raila was told not to attend the burial," said Ms. Adeya.

She said that the youth only wanted to listen to Embakasi East MP Babu Owino because of his stand against the broad-based government.

"The youth prepared their own OB and recorded the time the body arrived and the time it was buried with strict instruction on who to address them," she said.

Ms Adeya is part of the movement established by women to champion for peace before, during, and after the 2027 General Elections.

Adeya said that the government should listen to the youths and implement their needs.

She said the rage among the youths witnessed in Homa Bay during Ojwabg' burial was scary.

"Where we are going is not good. I pray for peace. Let us accept and allow for peaceful demonstrations," said Ms Adeya.

The movement, Mama Kenya Movement, also called for dialogue to end the protracted protests of the Gen Zs against the government.

According to the movement's founder, Ms. Amina Ridhwani, those recruited will champion peace and electoral justice in Kenya before, during, and after the elections.

"We call upon all political players to uphold peace, human rights, and democracy. The government should give the youths a listening ear and address the issues facing them.