Raila asks Homa Bay youth to engage in sports
Opposition leader Raila Odinga has urged the youths to engage in sports as a way of fighting social vices affecting them.
The former prime minister said use of sports is one of the ways the county can eradicate challenges affecting young people.
These include drug abuse.
Mr Odinga said sports such as football can help in fighting the vice.
He said some youths have engaged in smoking bhang, a prohibited substance in Kenya.
But with sports, he said they are likely to keep off drugs.
“Sports makes youths to participate in activities that make their lives better. Youths engaged in sports are likely not to engage in drug abuse,” Mr Odinga said.
He added that sports promote good health by making players physical fit.
Mr Odinga said sports also promote socialisation and networking.
Through this, he said, the young players can identify income-generating opportunities and explore them.
“Through sports, youths will develop critical thinking and engage in development. This is besides seeking opportunities to use sports as a means of earning a living,” Mr Odinga said.
The ODM leader spoke at Ndiru primary school in Homa Bay town when he attended a sports tournament dubbed Opira Champions that was organised by Homa Bay Town West MCA Erick Omollo.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, her deputy Oyugi Magwanga and Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma attended the tournament where they watched a football match between Ndiru FC and Marindi FC.
Mr Odinga highlighted the sports tournaments he has attended during the festive season.
These include boat racing and swimming in Busia County and the Natembeya Cup football tournament in Kitale.
He then move to Kitale for a football tournament.
Mr Odinga said he also attened a sports tournament in Kisumu and Kericho counties.
“I had a feeling that I should be in Homa Bay. I called the governor and she told me about the sports tournament organised by the MCA,” he said.
The ODM leader urged youths to embrace such tournaments during holidays.
He said playing football will make local player to be picked by international clubs.
Mr Odinga also used the opportunity to slam President William Ruto’s government saying most Kenyans have nothing to celebrate during the festive season because of high cost of living.
“I will give my New Year message later. But this festive season is not the same as the ones which have been there in the past because of high cost of purchasing goods,” he said.
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