In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…
- Azimio la Umoja is divided over President Ruto’s proposal for a National Multi-Sectoral Forum to address youth issues, with some leaders supporting and others opposing it.
- Key figures like Raila Odinga support the dialogue, while Martha Karua and others criticize it, calling for action instead of talks.
A division is emerging within Azimio la Umoja over President William Ruto’s proposal to establish a National Multi-Sectoral Forum to address issues raised by Kenya’s youth.
Stakeholders from various sectors, including youth organizations, civil society, religious groups, professional bodies, and business communities, have been instructed to nominate their representatives by Friday, July 12.
On Tuesday, Azimio leader Raila Odinga voiced his support for the initiative, advocating for dialogue with Kenya’s youth to help shape the country’s future.
He emphasized that dialogue is the best solution to the crisis, where many young people feel disenfranchised by the government, resulting in widespread protests sparked by the Finance Bill 2024.
“We have agreed that we give people an opportunity to be heard, to express themselves, come up with the grievances which are ailing our country today so that a lasting solution can be found,” Odinga said.
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President Ruto and Odinga announced that the dialogue, involving 150 members and set to commence on Monday, July 15, aims to tackle fundamental issues such as unemployment, corruption, public debt, and economic management.
Following this announcement, Raila Junior posted on social media, “Everybody is an individual please!
Even people with the same exact names,” referencing the public debate about the proposed dialogue. Many interpreted this as Junior distancing himself from his father’s stance on the matter.
Everybody is an individual please! Even people with the same exact names
— Raila Odinga Junior (@Railajunior) July 9, 2024
Several leaders within Azimio have expressed opposition to the proposal. Martha Karua, Raila’s running mate in the 2022 presidential election, has publicly distanced herself from the dialogue initiative, describing it as a trap.
“Dialogue can only be meaningful if the players have good faith and are guided by the best interests of the people,” Karua stated.
She also cautioned Kenya’s youth to be wary of politicians who might exploit their push for government accountability.
“I agree with those who say Action Now on the clear and attainable demands of Gen Z to enhance accountability and make the state work for the masses rather than for a handful of elites,” the Narc Kenya party leader added.
Former Minister Eugene Wamalwa, another principal in Azimio, firmly rejected the proposal, declaring, “I am not boarding!”
Former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka was notably absent during the media briefing, despite participating in the signing of the IEBC Bill 2024 moments earlier.
Kalonzo’s presence at the signing of the law contrasted with his absence during the announcement of the proposed dialogue by President Ruto and former Prime Minister Odinga.