Kenyan Opposition Leader Raila Odinga Agrees to Dialogue with President William Ruto Amid Gen Z Protests

By Lisbeth Micheni, Kenya

In a significant development, Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga has announced he has agreed to enter into dialogue with President William Ruto, following weeks of intense protests led by the country’s Generation Z population at The Kenyatta International Convention Centre.

The protests, which erupted in late May, have been driven by young Kenyans frustrated with high unemployment rates, rising cost of living, and perceived government corruption.

The demonstrators have been demanding substantial political and economic reforms, leading to clashes with police and disruptions in major cities.

Odinga, who initially supported the protests, emphasized the importance of addressing the grievances of the youth.

Speaking during a press conference in Nairobi, he said: “The voices of our young people have been loud and clear. They are calling for a better future, and it is our duty to listen and act.”

However, in response to the mounting pressure, President Ruto extended an olive branch, inviting Odinga and other opposition leaders to the negotiating table.

“We must come together as a nation to find solutions to the challenges facing our young people. Dialogue is the way forward,” Ruto said in a televised address.

The agreement to engage in talks marks a pivotal moment in Kenyan politics.

Both leaders have previously had a contentious relationship, with the 2022 presidential election being particularly fraught with allegations of electoral malpractice. However, the current situation has necessitated a more collaborative approach.

Civil society groups and international observers have welcomed the move, urging both sides to prioritize the interests of the Kenyan people.

According to the United Nations’ Special Envoy to Kenya, “This is a positive step towards national unity and addressing the legitimate concerns of the youth.”

Meanwhile, as the nation awaits the outcome of these discussions, there is a cautious optimism that the dialogue will lead to meaningful changes and a more inclusive political process.

The protests have underscored the power and determination of Kenya’s younger generation, signaling a potential shift in the country’s socio-political landscape.

Many Kenyan youth said that neither Raila nor Ruto speaks for them, and they will not be part of the dialogue since they came out tribeless, fearless and leaderless to fight corruption and bring change in the country.

Cornelius. K .Ronoh, The Gen Z told Raila Odinga to step aside leaving the youths to handle the matter and Clean the Country.

“The dialogue is between two individuals; William Ruto and Raila Odinga. We refuse to be controlled by selfish politicians who only value their stomachs. Gen Zs and Millennials are now taking the bull by the horns,” he said.