By Dickson Andati, Kisumu
As Kenyans continue to honour the life and legacy of veteran politician Raila Amollo Odinga, a 22-year-old woman from Kisumu County has chosen an unusual act of endurance to deliver what she describes as a simple but powerful message — peace.
Laventer Wesonga plans to spend 72 hours hugging a pillar in a challenge she says will promote peace, unity and hope among Kenyans.
The challenge is scheduled to begin on Friday and end on Monday.
Wesonga says the idea was inspired by the need to keep alive values she believes Odinga stood for throughout his long political career, particularly his call for unity and peaceful coexistence.
“I decided to hug a pillar for 72 hours because I want to send a message that peace must hold us together, just like this pillar will hold me throughout the challenge,” she said.
She said the initiative is not simply about endurance, but about using a personal sacrifice to encourage Kenyans to reflect on the importance of peace.
“I want Kenyans to understand that peace is not something we should take for granted. It is something we must protect every day, regardless of our political, ethnic or social differences,” Wesonga said.
The young woman hopes the challenge will particularly resonate with young people, whom she believes have an important role in shaping Kenya’s future.
“As young people, we have the power to change the conversation in this country. We can choose division, or we can choose peace, unity and hope,” she said.
Wesonga said she also wanted the challenge to serve as a tribute to Odinga as the country continues to remember his contribution to Kenya’s political history.
“This is my small way of honouring Baba. I want his legacy to continue inspiring us, especially when it comes to peace, unity and standing together as Kenyans,” she said.
She expects the 72-hour challenge to attract public attention and encourage Kenyans to share their own messages of peace.
“For me, the pillar represents strength and togetherness. I want Kenyans to stand together and remain strong even when we disagree,” she said.
As tributes to Odinga continue across the country, Wesonga hopes her unusual gesture will leave behind a message that goes beyond remembrance.
“I want people to remember that after all the politics, we are still one people and we have one country. Peace should always come first,” she said.
