The adopted son of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Oketch Salah, has pledged to financially support 10 youths of Jacaranda Bunge la Wananchi through an empowerment programme in 2026.
Oketch made the pledge on Friday, December 26, while having an engagement with a member of the group.
Oketch said that the empowerment program would begin early next year and will benefit five men and five women. Oketch said that the funds will enable the youths to start their own businesses
In addition to the Ksh50,000, the ten individuals will also receive motorcycles for men, hairdressing equipment for women.
Oketch affirmed that such initiatives will be key to unlocking the leadership and economic potential among the youths by growing their expertise and businesses.
"Met with Jacaranda Bunge la Wananchi to strengthen leadership for greater impact. Also presented a Ksh1M New Year gift hamper to members present," Oketch said in a statement.
"Pledged an empowerment program rolling out early next year for 10 members (5 men, 5 women); motorcycles for youths and hairdressing equipment plus KES 50,000 startup for women," he added.
Bunge la Mwananchi members in Kenya act as grassroots activists, holding public forums to discuss, debate, and advocate for issues affecting ordinary citizens, such as good governance, accountability, economic empowerment, and social justice.
Oketch’s pledge mirrors that of the late Prime Minister, who, during his 2022 general election campaign, promised to introduce a social protection program that would ensure households receive Ksh 6,000.
According to the former prime minister, if he were elected, his government would have spent ksh9 billion monthly to ensure that up to 1.5 million households across the country benefited from the programme.
Earlier this year, in May, Nominated Senator Beatrice Oyomo asked President William Ruto to introduce Odinga's monthly stipend promise after the two leaders entered into a political agreement.
“Honourable CS, now that we are a broad-based government, is it possible that you can pay the Ksh6,000 that was promised to Kenyans as in our manifesto?” Oyomo quipped.
