Raila on Gen Z protests: Uhuru pushed for talks with Ruto to prevent chaos

Opposition leader Raila Odinga has disclosed that former President Uhuru Kenyatta urged him to engage in dialogue with President William Ruto to address the unrest caused by Gen Z protests.

Speaking at the funeral of Mzee Chirchir Masit, father of exiled IEBC commissioner Irene Masit, Raila explained that Kenyatta reached out to him to prevent the country from descending into chaos.

"Uhuru reached out to me, emphasising the importance of discussing the situation with Ruto to safeguard the country from descending into turmoil," said Raila.

He revealed that Kenyatta was concerned about the direction the protests were taking and the potential for national instability. He shared that Kenyatta had requested him to initiate discussions with President Ruto to find a solution.

According to him, this appeal led to a phone conversation between him and Ruto, where they agreed to meet and deliberate on the nation's state.

"When the country was burning, former President Kenyatta called me and asked me to reach out to President Ruto to find a solution to the issues being raised by Gen Zs," stated Raila during the funeral.

When the country was in turmoil, former President Kenyatta asked me to reach out to President Ruto about the concerns of Gen Z and Kenyans in general. While I am running for the AUC chairperson's position, my priority remains stabilizing my home country for future generations. pic.twitter.com/75M38AseCW

— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) August 13, 2024

He emphasised that the protests were driven by legitimate concerns about the country's direction. He also mentioned that he conveyed to Ruto the importance of removing certain government officials who were not serving the country's best interests.

In their discussions, Raila and Ruto agreed on the need for a broad-based government as a means to stabilise the nation. The Azimio leader clarified that this agreement was not about forming a coalition government. Instead, it was about ensuring capable leadership to address the issues raised during the protests.

He reassured the residents of Elgeyo Marakwet that he extended an olive branch to the current administration to resolve these issues. He made it clear that his efforts were focused on the country's well-being rather than seeking to join the government.

Additionally, Raila disclosed that Ruto had requested his assistance in identifying individuals from the opposition who could serve in this broad-based government.

Raila reiterated that he is not part of the government, stating that they agreed to ensure capable leadership, not to create a coalition.

"I have fulfilled my role in this, and I believe we are on the right path as a nation," Odinga concluded.