Former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, has pledged to empower the youth through partnerships with county governments even as he promised more funds to the devolved units should he win the presidential vote in August.
Speaking at his Hip Hop digital rally held on Friday, May 6, the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya presidential aspirant stated that he wants to partner with the youth to transform the country.
He noted that the youth play a key role in the development agenda of the nation, noting that Kenya has lagged behind in utilising their energy, talents and capabilities.
"We want to partner with the youth so that we can be able to realise Kenya's potential and that is why baba is offering himself.
"I am very sure that if we improve devolution by taking more resources to the county as we envisioned in the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), I believe we shall see a difference in the lives of Kenyans. I am ready to go that route," he pledged.
He asserted that his bid for presidency needed the backing of the youth, promising them positions of leadership in his government.
"When you look at our neighbours, we are an island of peace in a sea of turbulence. Kenya has been compared with developed states. This is what we aim to do and that is why we want partners, not followers.
"I have said that before I work for Kenyans, I will allow them to give me the job. Once given the role, I will have a debt to pay," the ODM boss stated.
During his Hip Hop rally, various artists graced the digital event even as they rallied their followers to support the candidature of the Azimio candidate.
Among them was Francis Amisi alias Frasha and hip hop group Mbogi Genje. ODM Lang'ata parliamentary aspirant, Felix Odiwuor alias Jalango, was the rally's MC.
Frasha thanked the former premier for his digital rally initiative noting that it has given the youth a platform to express themselves.
"I want to thank Raila for what he has done for the artists. We had a problem with Skiza tunes but he intervened. We want to encourage the youth to join our rallies," he stated.
