Ugenya MP resists government plans on national dialogue

By Robert Mutasi 

Movement for Democracy and Growth party leader and Ugenya Member of Parliament David Ochieng has opposed the government for calling for national dialogue to solve challenges facing the country. 

Ochieng, instead, has urged Kenyans to give President William Ruto enough time to make changes that were recommended by youths.

 Speaking in Kitale on Tuesday, July 16, during the conduct of delegates recruitment, MDG party leader said some of the issues that were raised during demonstrations can be handled and solved by President Ruto without having dialogue if he will be given enough time.

The issues raised by Generation Z during the anti-finance protests are to end rampant corruption, tribalism, favoritism on various appointments in the government.

He asked young people to keep using nonviolent protests as a means of voicing their opinions, acknowledging their worries.

 “Our youth have shown remarkable courage and conviction,” Ochieng noted. “However, it is crucial that their protests remain peaceful and constructive.”

He stated his opinion that this kind of conversation is pointless and emphasized that the priorities should be on putting effective policies into place and attending to the citizens' urgent needs.

“The time for talking is over,” he declared. “We must now concentrate on action and solutions that will benefit our nation.”

There have been ongoing calls for dialogue between President Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga.

On July 9, 2024, Raila Odinga agreed that having dialogue from both sides is the only way to eradicate the ongoing crisis.

"We have agreed that we give people an opportunity to be heard, express themselves and come out with the grievances that are in our country today," Raila Odinga said on July 9, 2024 during the press briefing.

The young people who were protesting felt that Raila, who they saw as their "savior," had betrayed them, and they were upset about his comments.