Embu, Kenya – The recent calls for renewed dialogue between President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga have sparked a mix of reactions among leaders in Embu County.
A segment of the leadership expressed reservations, voicing concerns that the proposed dialogue could be hijacked by political interests, particularly those from the opposition. Mugo Mate, the Chair of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Embu Branch, cautioned against a repeat of past political arrangements.
“If Ruto was angered by the handshake between retired President Uhuru Kenyatta and Odinga, why does he want to return to that route?” Mate questioned, highlighting the potential for the dialogue to lead to a coalition government.
Mate advocated for a different approach, emphasizing the importance of engaging with Generation Z, who have been at the forefront of protests against the controversial finance bill. He argued that genuine dialogue should focus on addressing systemic issues like corruption rather than uniting political parties.
“The dialogue we want is initiated by Gen Zs fighting the rot in the country, including corruption, not one that brings political parties together,” Mate asserted.
Former Kirimari Ward MCA Morris Nyaga echoed Mate’s sentiments, noting the significance of protests led by younger generations. He pointed to the national dialogue that resulted from Raila Odinga’s demonstrations, culminating in the National Dialogue and Consensus (NADCO) report.
“Gen Zs and Millennials have their protests where they want the President to listen to them and address their grievances,” Nyaga remarked, underscoring the importance of youth voices in national discourse.
On the other hand, a faction of leaders believe that effective national dialogue must be inclusive of all stakeholders, including the political class. Political lobbyist Kirangacha Mwaniki argued for a comprehensive approach to dialogue, stressing that it is crucial for reaching a consensus and establishing a unified agenda to tackle the nation’s challenges.
“Inclusive dialogue is the only way to reach a consensus and establish a common agenda for addressing issues affecting Kenyans,” Mwaniki stated, advocating for broad-based participation.
The debate among Embu leaders reflects a broader national conversation on the best path forward for Kenya. While some advocate for a youth-led initiative focused on tackling corruption and systemic issues, others believe that an inclusive dialogue, encompassing political leaders, is essential for achieving lasting solutions.
As the nation watches, the contrasting viewpoints from Embu’s leadership underscore the complexity of navigating Kenya’s political landscape and addressing the diverse needs and aspirations of its citizens.