Dagoretti North Member of Parliament Beatrice Elachi has called on political leaders across the divide to unite in addressing Kenya’s pressing socio-economic challenges. Speaking during an interview on K24 TV, Elachi underscored the urgency for leaders to set aside political differences and focus on solutions that reflect the needs of ordinary citizens.
“I’m pleading to all leaders to go back to the drawing board, sit together regardless of the political divide for the sake of the people,” Elachi said, emphasising that unity and empathy should guide political discourse. She urged leaders to be mindful of Kenya’s diversity and called for inclusive engagement that upholds fairness and national cohesion.
Elachi’s call comes amid mounting public pressure for a national dialogue to address growing frustrations, particularly among the youth. The recent wave of youth-led activism, most notably the Identity Yetu movement, has amplified demands for systemic change. Spearheaded by Generation Z activists, the group has firmly rejected elite-driven talks, insisting on immediate action to tackle unemployment, exclusion, and unequal access to opportunities.
“Our mission is not to engage in political debates, but to actively empower Kenyans, particularly the youth, to take charge of their future,” Identity Yetu stated in a recent communication.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga has also thrown his weight behind the idea of national dialogue, proposing structured talks to confront the country’s economic and governance concerns. However, divergent views on the format and legitimacy of such conversations continue to stir debate.
During the interview, Elachi expressed support for a broad-based government structure, suggesting it could foster inclusive discussions and resolve longstanding issues. “When you bring the government and ourselves together, you broaden the space to have conversations on things that were not done properly. We can now agree and have a win-win situation,” she noted.
As Kenya navigates a complex political and economic landscape, Elachi’s appeal for unity and empathy underscores a growing consensus that solutions must transcend partisan interests and reflect the will of the people. Whether through formal dialogue or grassroots mobilisation, the demand for change is loud—and rising.
