The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has called on the youth to turn out in large numbers for the planned commemoration of the Gen Z protestors who lost their lives during last year's anti-government demonstrations. The anniversary, set for Wednesday, June 25, will be marked through protests across the country in memory of the young lives lost while pushing for change.
In a statement signed by Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, the party defended its leader, Raila Odinga, against criticism from a recent The Standard headline titled Gen Z Betrayers, which suggested that Odinga's decision to collaborate with the government-alongside activist Kasmuel McOure-was a betrayal of the youth movement.
ODM dismissed the label as misguided and reiterated its support for the protests. ''As we draw close to the anniversary of the Gen Z protests, we urge Kenyans of goodwill to uphold national unity and ignore those who seek to divide us.
The Party has for a long time been an advocate and practitioner of peaceful protest and change, and we urge all those who will turn out to commemorate the anniversary this Wednesday to fearlessly stand on the side of freedom and democracy and the right to protest as enshrined in the constitution,'' the statement read.
