Raila issues fresh demands for dialogue as he backs Gen Z protests

Azimio leader Raila Odinga has thrown his support behind the Generation Z anti-government protests, weeks after advocating for national dialogue to address the country's pressing issues.

In a statement on Sunday, Raila rescinded his earlier call for dialogue, insisting that specific grievances must be addressed first.

“To the young, resilient generation of our nation, I agree that justice must come first before any talks,” he said.

He outlined several key demands including compensation for all victims of police brutality, dismissal of all protest-related cases and release of all abductees and imprisoned protesters.

Additionally, he called for the resolution of healthcare and education grievances, including the welfare of healthcare workers and Junior Secondary School teachers.

The former Prime Minister also wants the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) abolished in favour of reinstating the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

He further demanded the prosecution of security sector officials responsible for atrocities against peaceful demonstrators since the protests began on June 18, 2024.

“Once these issues are resolved, we can focus on a National Conversation, and conducted transparently in a neutral venue,” he said.

National convention

Raila proposed that representatives for the national convention should come from diverse sectors, including youth, government, religious leaders, healthcare professionals, lawyers, and teachers.

Protesters march with a Kenyan flag along Moi Avenue, Nairobi, during the anti-government demos on July 16, 2024. (Photo: Justine Ondieki/EV)

He emphasised that the dialogue should address critical national and constitutional issues such as good governance, the high cost of living, eradicating tribalism, fighting corruption, and debt and fiscal management.

He expressed confidence that structured dialogue would bring about the reforms that the youth are fighting for and safeguard Kenya's future.

“To the young people of Kenya, you all must know that I am deeply moved by your dedication to the cause,” Raila said.

Meanwhile, the partyless, leaderless, and tribeless youths have vowed to return to the streets on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, despite President William Ruto nominating his first batch of Cabinet Secretaries to his government.

According to the Gen Z protesters, the President has ignored the country's mood by reappointing several people back to the government, contrary to their demands. They claim the 11 appointments only add fuel to the fire, giving more reasons for them to protest.

The youths had called for a complete overhaul of the Cabinet and demanded new faces. On Friday, President Ruto reinstated four former officials to their previous positions while reshuffling two and naming five new ones in the first set of his Cabinet, totalling 11.

Former Interior CS Kithure Kindiki, Alice Wahome (Lands), Soipan Tuya (Environment and Climate Change), and Aden Duale (Defense) were nominated to their previous dockets. Rebecca Miano (formerly Trade) and Davis Chirchir (formerly Energy) were nominated to serve in the Attorney General’s office and Roads and Transport Ministries, respectively.

The new faces nominated to the Cabinet include Dr Debra Mulongo Barasa (Health), Julius Migosi Ogamba (Education), Dr Andrew Mwihia Karanja (Agriculture and Livestock Development), Eric Muriithi Muuga (Water, Sanitation and Irrigation), and Margaret Nyambura Ndung'u (Information, Communication and Digital Economy).