Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga has said the real ‘pawaaa’ Kenya needs is the economic empowerment of young people, linking the phrase to jobs, digital skills and opportunities rather than political positions.

Oburu spoke on Sunday, March 8, 2026, when he launched the Siaya Community Digital Hub in Bondo. President William Ruto attended the event as the chief guest.

The hub will give residents access to ICT services, digital literacy training and online work opportunities. Oburu said the project has been years in the making.

He explained that he first conceived the idea about 15 years ago and was pleased to see it finally become a reality.

In a message shared on X after the launch, the senator said the centre would help open new economic opportunities for the local community.

“We officially launched the Siaya Community Digital Hub, graced by His Excellency Dr William Samoei Ruto. Access to ICT and digital literacy should be accessible and convenient for every member of our community,” he wrote.

“I am proud that I conceived the idea of this hub 15 years ago, and today that vision has become a reality.”

Oburu said the project will focus on building skills that allow young people to participate in the digital economy without leaving their homes.

“Our greatest ambition is to create BPO and digital economy opportunities for young people, ensuring they can work, innovate, and thrive from right here at home,” he said.

He then linked the project to a wider political message that has recently featured in national debates.

“The ‘Pawaaa’ we need is the power of economic empowerment for our youth. When we equip young people with digital skills and opportunities, we unlock the true potential of our communities,” Oburu said.

He also congratulated the hub’s chief executive officer, Tabitha Ogutu, for her role in pushing the project forward.

Oburu made the remarks a day after leaders from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) held a rally at Linda Ground in Melelo, Narok County, where the party pushed its political message ahead of future elections.

ODM push for power

The senator has in the past linked the “pawaaa” slogan to ODM’s push for a fair share of power in a possible coalition government after the 2027 elections. He previously suggested that the party could negotiate for the Deputy President position if it forms a coalition with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Those remarks have drawn criticism from allies of the current Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who insist the position is not open for negotiation.

At the rally on March 7, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga called on supporters to back ODM candidates across all elective seats through what she described as “five-piece” or even six-piece voting.

“Kama ni kura, tuanzie pale MCA, MP, Woman Rep, Senator, Governor na ata Deputy President akue ODM,” Wanga said.

Suna East MP Junet Mohamed echoed the call and said the party planned to field candidates in all major positions.

“Tutasimamisha watu from MCA, MP, Senator, Governor, zote. Na hakuna kiti tunaachia UDA,” he said.

The rally amplified ODM’s “Tunataka Power” slogan, which has become part of the party’s push for stronger representation in government.

Speaking in Bondo during the president’s visit, Oburu defended ODM’s decision to remain in the broad-based government arrangement associated with Raila Odinga.

“We are in this broad-based arrangement where Raila left us, and we are not going to leave it soon,” he said.

He also told leaders in the emerging United Opposition that ODM had long experience in political activism.

“Our people were not born to be in the opposition forever. Let others also take the position,” Oburu said.

“We have been there for a long time. If it is demonstrations, we know demonstrations more than all of them. But they can come to us for lessons on demonstrations.”

He described the party’s approach as practical and focused on tangible benefits.

“We don’t want something from the mountain. We don’t want your share. We just want our share,” he said.