The name Eddy Gicheru Oketch may not ring a bell on a lot of people's minds but his peace initiatives have made an impact, not only locally but also globally, forging a hallmark for being the voice of the voiceless within the society.
To the majority, he is remembered for giving the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) a run for its money in the Migori Senatorial race, losing to Ochillo Ayacko by a very slight margin.
His influence had spread far and wide within a region considered as ODM leader Raila Odinga's bedroom, only coming inches to clinching the seat.
How did a former street boy in Kakamega town, grow to become a powerful force?
Oketch's footprint dates back to the 2000s when he went back to school and later got a scholarship to study at the South African Leadership Academy in Johannesburg.
While there, he became a student leader and established expansive networks. He then proceeded to Trinity College in the United States, and eventually Yale University where he graduated with a Masters in Global Affairs.
His advocacy for change within the society also started at a tender age. At only 14 years, Oketch was the chief campaigner in the eradication of female genital mutilation as well as fostering of girl-child empowerment in Kuria district in 2005.
The initiative saw the formation of Mich Pacho Theatre Club which aimed at nurturing the talent of 60 disadvantaged community members within the village.
Two years later, his rallying call for peace during electoral processes led to the formation of WIFIPE, a national youth peace building organisation which was instrumental in urging the youth to break the tribal barriers and uphold peace.
At the height of the 2007-2008 post-election chaos, Oketch founded Ongoza, an organisation that empowered youths to help end the chaos.
Through empowering and implementing a unique and comprehensive model, Oketch provided an integrated and grassroots approach to peace building through economic empowerment.
His peace initiatives have been recognised with the 2012 Impact Award from the Kenyan US Diaspora, the 2013 Africa Village’s Top 30 Under 30 Most Inspirational Young People on the African continent and Salt’s 2015 top 30 under 30 most innovative and influential youths in Africa.
Oketch has been DFIDS youth ambassador on peace for over 10 years.
