Raila ‘in trouble’ for endorsing Ruto, Gen-Z dialogue

By Peter Ochieng

Azimio leader Raila Odinga continues to attract a wave of negative comments online, hours after approving President William Ruto’s dialogue with youths, popularly known as millennials and Gen-Zs pushing for better governance in the country.

Speaking shortly after witnessing President Ruto sign the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Amendment Bill 2024, Odinga said that after weeks of countrywide protests spearheaded by the youths, it is time to embrace dialogue as the nation moves forward.

"I am happy to confirm that we have had consultations and we have agreed that dialogue is the way forward out of the crisis that we’re having today in our country," said the former Prime Minister.

Ruto, Odinga and their allies settled on a six-day multi-sectoral forum which is set to begin on Monday, July 15, and end on Saturday to foster national dialogue and seek lasting solutions to Kenya's pressing issues.

"We agreed that we give people an opportunity to be heard, to express themselves, to come out with the grievances which are actually ailing our country today so that a lasting solution can be found,” Odinga added.

But the GEN-Zs and millennials are hearing none of it. They maintain that they are leaderless and party-less, telling Odinga that ‘You don’t speak on our behalf.’

“After seeing Raila Odinga, president William Ruto and DP Rigathi Gachagua hapo KICC, I rushed to reread this page. ‘If you go with your dog to hunt foxes, jackals and wolves, one fact should be with you. Your dog, the jackal and the wolves are cousins, and you are the only outsider,” wrote Gathoni Wamuchomba, Githunguri Member of Parliament (MP).

The MP was elected on President Ruto’s UDA party before the two fell out.

“Raila, as you go ahead and dialogue, kindly don't involve us. Discuss your private matters. You don't speak on our behalf,” said an X user using 5people as a handle.

However, Raila Odinga Junior, Odinga’s son, seemingly supported his father. “Everybody is an individual please! Even people with the same exact names.”

The youths maintain that they will not tire of mounting pressure against the government.