Ida Odinga Warns Against Rising Political Hooliganism in Nyanza

Kenya, 31 May 2026 - Kenya's Permanent Representative to UNEP, Ida Odinga, has issued a sharp warning against the growing culture of political hooliganism in Nyanza, urging politicians to cultivate disciplined and responsible youth leadership.

Ida was concerned about youth behavior advising the leaders that rather than encourage illicit political behaviour in the name of political support, they should promote cultured and issue based politics and not scorn, spite mongering and witchunt.

Speaking in a candid conversation about ODM public engagement in the region, Mrs Odinga said political competition must never degenerate into violence, intimidation or lawlessness.

While acknowledging the important role young people play in political mobilisation, she cautioned leaders against recruiting youth for activities that undermine peace and social cohesion.

"It is good for politicians to recruit and organise young people, but their actions must be civilised and lawful. Politics should not be used as a platform for criminal conduct," she said.

Her remarks come amid growing concern over incidents of political intolerance and disruptive behaviour witnessed at some political gatherings across the region. Mrs Odinga said the future of Nyanza's politics depended on nurturing a generation of youth leaders guided by respect, responsibility and civility.

She condemned what she described as the infiltration of criminal tendencies into political activities, warning that such behaviour threatens the democratic ideals that have long defined the region's political identity.