Raila faces backlash for unwavering stance on Gen Z-led protests

Anti-government protesters have dismissed Azimio leader Raila Odinga's support for their movement.

In a statement on Sunday, Raila backed the Gen Z protests, weeks after advocating for national dialogue to address the country's pressing issues.

However, today, he retracted his earlier call for dialogue, emphasising that specific grievances need resolution first before talks.

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

Raila called for compensation for victims of police brutality, the dismissal of protest-related cases, and the release of all abductees and imprisoned protesters.

However, many young people, particularly those active on the social media platform X, rejected his remarks, accusing him of inconsistency and insincerity.

"You exposed your dishonesty, became a massive echo chamber of manipulation, and you cannot be a representative of reality to the people," Frank Matnez, an X user, called out the opposition leader.

"Baba, we love you, but the country will move on with or without you. Kenya is bigger than you, Baba," said Muchiri Gichuri.

"Can you please choose one side and stick to it? Your inconsistency is worrying," Muthoni Njakwe pointed out.

Others refuted his call for dialogue, reiterating that President Ruto must resign as he had failed to heed the demands laid out by protesters.

On Friday, Ruto retained six of his initial 22 Cabinet Secretaries and named five new faces for consideration and approval by the National Assembly. The head of state had disbanded his entire cabinet owing to pressure from the youth.

Protesters confront police officers along Tom Mboya Street in Nairobi on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. The protests were sparked following the introduction of the Finance Bill, 2024 which has since been withdrawn. (Photo: Justine Ondieki/EV)

Nominees from the immediate past Cabinet, including former Interior CS Kithure Kindiki, Alice Wahome (Lands), Soipan Tuya (Environment and Climate Change), and Aden Duale (Defence), 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 the Roads and Transport Ministries, respectively.

The youths have maintained that they will not allow the recycled nominees to go back to the government.

"There will be no dialogue while people like Kindiki remain in office. Tell your friend William that the primary issue is #RutoMustGo. Form your joint cabinet elsewhere, not in Kenya. And leave this movement alone. You've shown your true colours," James said.

"We don't need dialogue. We need systems to work for everyone. What will we discuss that hasn't been talked about before? By reappointing figures like Kindiki and Duale, the president shows he lacks the goodwill to make systems work," Millan argued.

"No form of structured dialogue is acceptable. We demand justice and strict adherence to the Constitution and the rule of law! Before any dialogue, we must drain the swamp, we ain't going to recycle CSs. Only action will speak for you," Albert added.

Meanwhile, President William Ruto has vowed to remain resolute despite the youth's persistence in the nationwide demonstrations. He said his administration will remain firm to protect the country from plunging into anarchy.

Police officers clear the road along Koinange Street after protesters lit fires in the anti-government demos on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (Photo: Barack Oduor/EV)