A section of university student leaders has supported calls by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for an intergenerational conclave.
The leaders are drawn from the University of Nairobi, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), and Kenya College of Accountancy (KCA).
Speaking during a media briefing at the University of Nairobi, the leaders noted that the dialogue should not be interfered with by politicians.
“We dearly support the idea of Raila Odinga to bring youths into dialogue. We, as youths, insist that the dialogue not be interfered with by the politicians. We want it to be entirely a youth agenda,” Aaron Odhiambo, Nyanza Region Broad-Based Deputy Director said.
The students expressed their readiness to engage in dialogue, saying they are tired of dying during protests while their voices go unheard.
“We as the youths of Kenya are ready for dialogue. We are tired of dying and losing our loved ones. We are saying no to protests. We are ready to talk. We are ready to sit down to share our ideas, as we are skilled enough. We have the knowledge. We have the capacity to contribute positively toward nation-building,” JKUAT president Peace Love Isaa said.
Their main agenda includes youth unemployment, inclusive governance, and issues relating to HELB.
They urged President William Ruto to ensure police reforms are implemented, citing the recent deaths witnessed during protests.
They also noted that families who lost loved ones during the protests need compensation.
Raila proposed the intergenerational national conclave as a platform for dialogue to hear views from all Kenyans and develop reforms necessary to move the country forward.
He emphasised the urgent need for comprehensive police reforms to enhance accountability, transparency, and improve police-to-people relationships.
“The police service must be reformed to become a people's defender, servant,” he said.
Raila envisions the conclave as a forum to develop better and more sustainable approaches to transparency, accountability, and combating impunity in relation to corruption, to ensure leaders are held accountable for their actions.
“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,” he said.
Raila added that the national conclave must have clear terms of reference and be populated and led by serious and sober minds of the nation.
“The proceeds of the national dialogue be subjected to a referendum,” Raila added.
