By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 2 February 2026 - In a spectacle that blended high-energy political theatre with development messaging, ODM leader Dr Oburu Oginga Odinga electrified a packed stadium in Kisumu on Monday, vowing to lead his party to “Canaan,” even as thousands of youth vocally backed President William Ruto for a second term.
The event, which doubled as the rollout of the KSh 220 million NYOTA youth empowerment programme, underscored the intertwining of politics and development ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
The atmosphere at Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium was electric. Youths shouted, waved placards, and chanted “Tutam, two term!” in a symbolic show of confidence for President Ruto.
Security initially struggled to contain the massive crowd, eventually yielding to pressure and opening the gates, allowing tens of thousands to surge into the stadium.
The display reflected not only youth enthusiasm for NYOTA but also broad support for the Ruto administration.
President William Ruto, flanked by Deputy President Kindiki Kithure, framed the occasion as a celebration of youth empowerment and national progress.
The NYOTA programme, targeting 8,820 young people across Siaya, Kisumu, and Homa Bay counties, provides phased start-up capital of KSh50,000 per beneficiary, combined with business skills training and a savings component via the National Social Security Fund.
“Young people are our biggest economic asset. Programmes like NYOTA ensure they are equipped to create value—not just for themselves, but for the wider economy,” Ruto said.
The President did not shy away from criticism of the opposition. He accused rival political parties of empty sloganeering and divisive rhetoric at the expense of development.
“The opposition has no agenda to move Kenya forward. They have made opposition their occupation,” he said, urging youth to reject tribal politics and political expediency.
Highlighting his administration’s achievements, Ruto noted that over 100,000 teachers have been employed, 500,000 youth engaged in affordable housing projects, and 538,000 young Kenyans placed in overseas jobs.
“We must change the lives of young people. NYOTA comes handy to make that a reality,” he said, reinforcing the connection between empowerment and meaningful economic participation.
Deputy President Kindiki Kithure reinforced the government’s focus, dismissing opposition critiques as distractions.
“The state will not be swayed by doom-mongers. Our focus remains delivery,” he said, drawing laughter and applause from the stadium.
The political temperature soared when Dr Oburu Oginga Odinga took the stage.
With characteristic charisma and humor, Oburu addressed critics urging caution, insisting that ODM cannot afford to waste time as the 2027 elections loom.
“Some people are telling me that naharakisha (I am superfast on this). I am racing fast. But there is no time. Elections are almost here,” he said, eliciting cheers from the crowd.
Then came the line that set social media alight: “Trust me, I will deliver you to Canaan… through Singapore.”
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Analysts interpret the remark as a metaphor for strategic, unconventional political maneuvering—an assertion that ODM will reach its political goals through innovative negotiation and planning, not mere sloganeering.
Oburu also took a firm stand against tribalism, a move that resonated with Kenya’s youthful, urban electorate.
“All Kenyans deserve equal opportunity to share the national cake,” he declared, signaling a break from chauvinist political tendencies and emphasizing inclusivity as a guiding principle for ODM’s future.
The event highlighted internal ODM dynamics as well. Historically, the party has been cautious about forging formal alliances with President Ruto’s UDA, largely due to ideological and leadership differences tracing back to Raila Odinga’s era.
Some party members have preferred a carefully structured approach, citing past divisions and mistrust.
Oburu’s statements, however, underscored urgency and pragmatism—making it clear that strategic engagement with the government is necessary to position ODM advantageously ahead of 2027.
Cabinet Secretaries at the event—Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi, Cooperatives and MSMEs CS Wycliffe Oparanya, Labour CS Dr Alfred Mutua, and Sports CS Salim Mvurya—lent further gravitas, visibly backing the Ruto administration’s two-term ambitions. Principal Secretaries, including Interior PS Dr Raymond Omollo, Youth Affairs PS Firikini Jacobs, MSMEs PS Susan Mang’eni, Cooperatives PS Caroline Agengo, and Children Affairs PS Dr. Ouma Oluga, emphasized the government’s multi-sectoral coordination in implementing youth-focused initiatives.
The NYOTA programme itself embodies the intersection of politics and development. Each participant receives initial capital of KSh25,000—KSh22,000 directed to a business account for immediate enterprise operations and KSh3,000 into a savings account, encouraging financial discipline. The second phase delivers an additional KSh25,000, creating a total of KSh50,000. Coupled with mandatory four-day business skills training, the phased approach ensures that youth enterprises are viable, sustainable, and resilient.
Observers note that the Kisumu launch demonstrates a dual strategy: consolidating political support while showcasing tangible development achievements.
Ruto’s administration is using NYOTA to reinforce its developmental credentials, while Oburu’s dramatic pledge to lead ODM to Canaan signals a strategic repositioning of the party—moving beyond historical hesitations and internal debates toward pragmatism and electoral readiness.
Analysts suggest that the “Canaan through Singapore” metaphor is a carefully calculated signal.
In emphasising speed, strategy, and results, Oburu positions ODM as both visionary and action-oriented, appealing to youth and moderate voters alike.
At the same time, the vociferous crowd chanting “Tutam, two term!” underscored President Ruto’s continued popularity, particularly among young voters who see him as a leader capable of delivering tangible progress.
As Kenya gears up for the 2027 General Elections, Kisumu has once again emerged as a key political and developmental stage.
The NYOTA launch, with its blend of youth empowerment, strategic pledges, and visible backing for a second term, illustrates how political ambition and national development are increasingly intertwined.
With Oburu promising ODM a path to Canaan and the youth vocally supporting Ruto’s two-term agenda, the 2027 race is set to be as dynamic as it is high-stakes.
