A Youth Movement Powered by Love, Leadership and Unity in Siaya

On February 14, 2026, Walter Okelo Mentorship Program transformed Valentine’s Day into a powerful civic awakening during the Valentine Edition of Party in the Park at Governor’s Park. What unfolded in the heart of Siaya County was not a typical celebration of romance, but a bold declaration of youth empowerment under the electrifying theme: Love, Leadership and Unity.

Hundreds of young people flooded the park, turning an ordinary afternoon into a vibrant movement grounded in purpose. The event seamlessly blended entertainment, mentorship and civic engagement, demonstrating that celebration and responsibility can walk hand in hand.

Love Beyond Romance

The day redefined love as more than bouquets and ballads. Through interactive booths and mentorship sessions, young people engaged in self-love workshops led by counselors who encouraged them to affirm their worth amid societal pressures. Community love stations featured testimonials from elders and peers on collective upliftment, reinforcing the importance of solidarity and shared progress.

The atmosphere pulsed with energy as youth queued—not for selfies—but for opportunity. A total of 104 National ID registrations were processed on-site, unlocking access to employment, scholarships and financial services. Additionally, 30 new voters were registered, empowering young voices to actively participate in shaping Kenya’s democratic future.

Walter Okelo expressed heartfelt gratitude to the youth who showed up in large numbers, emphasizing that the gathering was a platform for self-love, love for community, talent appreciation and civic responsibility. His rallying call, Forward Together. #SiayaEnWan, captured the collective spirit of the day.

Leadership in Action

Leadership was not preached—it was practiced. Efficient registration teams ensured seamless ID issuance, while voter registration kiosks with biometric verification streamlined the process. The event demonstrated that leadership is about tangible impact.

The stage came alive with performances that fused art and activism. Musicians, poets, dancers and digital creators used their craft to tackle real-life issues facing young people. Through partnership with Kuza Africa, 1,600 youth directly engaged with the Shujaaz Art and Comic Book series—vibrant, Luo-infused narratives addressing mental health, sexual and reproductive health, sports resilience and talent discovery.

Rap battles confronted corruption. Spoken word artists challenged stigma around anxiety and depression. Visual creatives painted live murals celebrating voter empowerment. Comedy dismantled apathy with satire. Every performance reinforced one message: leadership requires courage, clarity and commitment—not titles.

Unity as Strength

Unity emerged as the defining thread of the gathering. Talents from different wards and neighboring counties converged in synchronized rhythm—dance crews, TikTok influencers, spoken word artists and fashion models—all bound by shared aspirations.

The Shujaaz comics resonated deeply, reflecting the lived realities of the youth in attendance. Stories of overcoming peer pressure, battling mental health challenges, rising through sports and discovering hidden artistic gifts mirrored the faces in the crowd. The park became a living testimony that when young people see themselves represented, they rise with confidence.

In a nation often strained by economic uncertainty and division, the event modeled unity as power, empathy as currency and shared responsibility as destiny. The open platform encouraged cross-county collaboration, peer mentorship and intergenerational dialogue, turning Valentine’s Day into a civic awakening.

A Movement, Not Just an Event

Skeptics may attempt to frame such initiatives through a political lens, particularly as Walter Okelo positions himself as a 2027 Siaya senatorial aspirant. Yet the measurable outcomes speak for themselves: IDs issued, voters registered, youth educated and talents amplified.

As dusk settled over Governor’s Park and conversations lingered long after the music faded, one truth remained evident—the Walter Okelo Mentorship Program had ignited more than excitement. It had cultivated momentum.

Siaya’s Valentine gathering became more than a date on the calendar. It became a declaration: when young people are trusted, equipped and united, they rise not only to celebrate love—but to practice leadership and embody unity.

Forward Together is not just a slogan. In Siaya, it is a direction firmly set toward a future shaped by empowered youth, collective purpose and enduring hope.