ODM leader Raila Odinga is calling for a broad-based national dialogue next month involving delegates from all 47 counties, aimed at addressing Kenya’s growing political and social unrest. Speaking during a funeral service in Bomet on Saturday, Raila stressed the importance of inclusive representation beyond intergenerational participation.
“This should not just be intergenerational. It must be representative of Kenya’s full diversity,” Raila said. He proposed that each county nominate 40 delegates 20 youth and 20 others including elders, women, persons with disabilities, farmers, businesspeople, and civil society members.
The opposition leader said the dialogue should commence in August and warned that failure to engage in meaningful conversations could deepen public anger and lead to more instability ahead of the 2027 elections. “Hasira ni hasara,” he cautioned, urging leaders to address the root causes of national frustration.
Raila acknowledged the legitimacy of the recent youth-led protests, describing the demonstrators as Kenya’s children whose grievances must not be ignored. “These young people are not just protesting for the sake of it. We must listen to them and talk,” he urged.
He distanced himself from the “Ruto must go” slogan popular among some protestors, asserting that removing President William Ruto would not solve the country’s systemic problems. “Even if you put Gachagua there, nothing will change unless we deal with the root causes,” Raila said.
The dialogue, first proposed during the Saba Saba day, would focus on creating “irreducible reforms” targeting issues like police brutality, corruption, judicial inefficiency, and youth unemployment. Raila further suggested that the conclave’s recommendations be subjected to a public referendum.
Raila also pushed back against recent remarks by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua about ethnic power sharing, affirming Kenya’s unity. “Kenya is for every Kenyan. No one owns this country. We must build it together or watch it fall apart,” he said.
However, some politicians have opposed Raila’s initiative, viewing it as a tactic to bypass electoral processes. Gachagua himself dismissed the proposal, encouraging citizens to focus instead on preparing for the 2027 general elections.
