The
Political Parties Liaison Committee has thrown its weight behind former Prime Minister
Raila Odinga’s call for a comprehensive national dialogue to help resolve and
tame deepening youth unrest.
The
statutory agency, bringing together all registered political parties in Kenya,
said in a press briefing on Thursday that Raila’s proposal for structured talks
is timely and necessary.
They
cautioned against ignoring the grievances of the country’s youth, warning that doing
so could plunge the nation into dangerous instability.
PPLC
vice chairman Chris Kilonzo urged President William Ruto to support the
calls for talks, which he called the way out of the current violence, standoff and
political quagmire. He equally cautioned politicians against hijacking the
process for their own aims and said it must be
citizen-drive.
“PPLC
proposes a national conversation, a citizen-led, inclusive, and structured dialogue
to transform public dissent into constructive civic engagement,” Kilonzo said
in Nairobi on Friday.
“This
is not the time for delay or division. It is for unity, reform and action. The national
conversation must belong to all Kenyans. Every citizen deserves a voice in
shaping our shared future.”
“Political
parties must act as enablers, not gatekeepers, of this citizen-driven process.
PPLC will ensure the national conversation reflects political diversity not
domination.”
The
committee said its position reflects the stand taken by all political parties.
Raila
on Monday proposed a national conclave to come up with better and sustainable
ways for addressing transparency, accountability and impunity concerning corruption,
to ensure leaders are held accountable for their actions.
Youth
also are demanding good government, an end to impunity and police brutality.
They want a voice in governance and they want jobs.
Kilonzo
urged the government to step beyond forward and co-create a future with the country’s
younger generation.
“I
propose that the forum comes up with a comprehensive and sustainable strategy
for addressing youth unemployment and the expansion of opportunities for
youths in the formal and informal sectors,” the ODM leader said.
Raila
said the national conclave must have clear terms of reference and be populated
by serious and sober minds of the nation.
The
former Prime Minister spoke in Nairobi on Monday to mark the historic Saba Saba
Day on July 7, 1990 when protesters demanded that
Kenya became a multi-party democracy.
Instant
analysis
The
Political Parties Liaison Committee is a platform for dialogue among
political parties, the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties and
the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission. It was
established to ensure a free, fair, and credible electoral process. The PPLC aims
to foster communication and collaboration on electoral matters, including election
planning, logistics, and dispute resolution.
