Raila Proposes Solution for the Distrust Between Youth and Government

The leader of the Orange Democratic Party Movement (ODM), Raila Odinga, has proposed several measures to dissolve the growing distrust between the Kenyan youth and the government.

Speaking to the press outside Serene Hotel on Monday, July 7, where he gave his Saba Saba address, Raila called for both parties to consider what he termed a National Conclave to rectify the country's downward trajectory.

“I propose an inclusive intergenerational national conclave that hears our people on all divides to come up with unreducible reforms and changes to take the country forward,” he stated.

The former Prime Minister further defended his recommendation, highlighting the need for peaceful means to address various issues and grievances fronted by citizens.

 “The conclave should come up with better ways of addressing transparency and impunity with regard to corruption to ensure that leaders are held accountable for their actions,” Raila added.

Odinga also addressed the animosity between civilians and the police force, requesting the government to consider police reforms to improve the relationship and end the brawls witnessed in past protests.

"I propose that the country urgently turns to the agenda of comprehensive police reforms focused on transparency, accountability, and improving the police-to-people relationship," Odinga stated.

The leader who was expected to address people at the Kamukunji grounds explained his predicament, citing the heavy police presence in the area, including road blockages that prevented his conveyance from reaching the grounds.

"Yesterday, I did an interview, and I said I would be in Kamkunji for Saba Saba Day. Unfortunately, the circumstances with the roads blocked, I decided to talk to the media here in Serena," he noted.

Raila Odinga was among those who led the saba saba protest thirty-five years ago, which is commemorated every 7th of July.

Several leaders, Charles Rubia, Kenneth Matiba, and Jaramogi Odinga, led the protests despite the government banning all protests across the country, to demand a multiparty democracy against the late President Moi’s tyrannical rule.