Okayo urges youth to chart own political path beyond established parties
By Mustafa Juma, July 26, 2025Kenya School of Law President Joshua Okayo has called on the youth to assert their political voice independently instead of being absorbed by the traditional, established political parties.
In a strongly worded statement shared via his official X account on the night of Friday, July 25, 2025, Okayo emphasised the importance of young leaders organising themselves beyond just supporting presidential candidates.
“I think the youth voice should not be engulfed by the so-called established political parties; otherwise, we shall be undergoing the same cycle of strong young voices coming out, then being “shared” among the political parties/presidential candidates,” Okayo stated.
Youth campaigning for politicians
He further warned that not every youth can or should become a campaigner, aide, or employee of a political faction, regardless of how progressive they may appear.
Instead, he encouraged the youth to think beyond presidential campaigns and consider leadership roles across all levels of government.
“We can’t all be campaigners, we can’t all be aides, and we can’t all be employees of a certain side, however progressive they are. We should remember we also want good leaders in Parliament, counties, and the county assemblies,” he remarked, urging young people to support one another in pursuing elective positions.
Okayo further stressed the opportunity for the youth to unify and rally behind a progressive team of their own choosing—one that reflects the people’s interests and not just party interests.
His comments come at a time when the 2027 general election campaigns are gaining momentum, with many young leaders already being co-opted into mainstream party structures.
Kasmuel joining ODM
Kasmuel McOure is one of the youths who joined ODM after the anti-government protests.
On Thursday, February 27, 2025, he accompanied his party leader, Raila Odinga, on a helicopter tour across Homa Bay and Migori counties.
Taking to his X account, Kasmuel expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to accompany Raila and engage in grassroots mobilisation ahead of ODM’s 20th-anniversary celebrations in Busia.
He shared several social media updates throughout the day, documenting his experiences alongside the former prime minister.
“It was a privilege to accompany H.E. Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga to yet another multisectoral consultative citizen assembly in Homa Bay, ahead of ODM’s 20th anniversary in Busia tomorrow,” Kasmuel stated.
During the Homa Bay leg of the tour, Kasmuel also had a chance to interact with Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, two leaders he credited for shaping his journey in the party.