Bondo: Nyanza University Students Caucus has declared its support for the broad-based government and President William Ruto’s pursuit of a second term in office. Led by Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology student leader Joel Odidi, the students from universities nationwide have endorsed this arrangement, highlighting its role in uniting the country and facilitating economic development.
According to Kenya News Agency, Odidi emphasized the tangible benefits witnessed under the current government. He cited the widespread affordable housing projects and infrastructure development in the Nyanza region as unprecedented achievements. Odidi also noted the representation of Nyanza individuals in key government positions and the reduction in university fees under the new funding model. He affirmed the students’ commitment to support the government led by President Ruto and ODM leader Oburu Oginga.
Odidi addressed the issue of demonstrations, stating that the students have decided not to participate in street protests as suggested by a regional politician. He stressed that students would not be used for political demonstrations against the government. Odidi underscored their respect for the decision by the late former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, to collaborate with President Ruto and expressed their unwillingness to be influenced by leaders engaged in supremacy battles.
Fellow student leader Clinton Obala supported Odidi’s stance, advocating for economic development-focused politics in the Nyanza region. Obala emphasized the necessity for ODM party leadership, under Dr. Oburu Odinga, to cooperate with President Ruto to ensure continued economic transformation in the region. He praised the new university funding model, highlighting the reduced semester fees for students in economically disadvantaged households.
Obala urged the Independent Electoral and Boundary Commission (IEBC) to establish registration bases near universities to facilitate student voter registration for the 2027 elections. He mentioned that they have reached out to stakeholders, including IEBC and Siaya County government, to support this initiative by setting up registration bases next to tertiary institutions.
The students articulated their position during a caucus meeting in Bondo to determine the region’s political direction amidst discussions among ODM leaders about potentially abandoning the broad-based arrangement before the 2027 elections.
