Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme, Ida Odinga, has urged learners across the country to embrace education and steer clear of lawless behaviour, saying it remains the surest path to a better future.
Speaking during the funeral of Professor Jacob Ogweno Midiwo in Kisumu on Saturday, June 20, Ida encouraged young people to prioritize their studies and view education as a tool for acquiring knowledge and creating opportunities rather than merely seeking employment.
She expressed concern over the increasing cases of unrest in schools across the country, urging students to focus on their academic pursuits instead of engaging in activities that disrupt learning.
Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme, Ida Odinga. Photo: Courtesy.
According to Ida, incidents such as torching schools only undermine the future of learners and destroy institutions built to empower them.
Ida also challenged parents to take a more active role in guiding and mentoring their children, saying families have a critical responsibility in instilling discipline and values that discourage destructive behaviour.
She further argued that students who are unwilling to pursue education should not interfere with those who are committed to learning by participating in acts of vandalism and violence that end up destroying school property and disrupting the education of others.
At the same time, Ida cautioned young people against allowing themselves to be manipulated by politicians for selfish interests.
She lamented the growing cases of goonism in the country and encouraged the youth to channel their energy into productive activities that would improve their lives and secure their future.
She urged them to pursue education, skills development and meaningful opportunities instead of engaging in violence for political actors, emphasizing that hard work, discipline and knowledge are what earn lasting respect and success in society.
