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Leaders of the Azimio la Umoja coalition have called for snap elections and the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
This appeal comes as discontent grows among Kenyans, particularly the younger generation, with the current Kenya Kwanza administration led by President William Ruto.
On July 7, during the commemoration of Saba Saba Day, prominent Azimio leaders such as former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, and Peter Munya voiced the coalition’s position.
They stressed the urgency for a new IEBC to facilitate a fresh election, arguing that the public has lost faith in the current government’s ability to address pressing national issues.
Kalonzo Musyoka articulated the coalition's support for the youth who have been demonstrating nationwide against the government.
“The Gen Z are vocal about their frustrations with economic hardships and unresponsive governance,” Musyoka said.
He pointed to the IEBC Amendment Bill 2024, which President Ruto has pledged to sign, as a potential starting point for these changes.
“We need this bill enacted swiftly so that we can begin reforming the IEBC,” he added.
The youth-led protests reflect deep concerns over economic conditions and governance.
Demonstrators blame the Kenya Kwanza administration and the National Assembly for exacerbating their struggles through inadequate policies and lack of transparency.
According to Musyoka, these young people are demanding not just minor adjustments but comprehensive reforms to the system.
“The President’s efforts, such as forming a task force on public debt, are seen as inadequate,” Musyoka noted.
He criticized these steps as insufficient, emphasizing that the constitutional responsibility for managing public debt lies with the Office of the Auditor General.
“Constitutional mechanisms must be respected. Anything less is unacceptable,” he argued.
Azimio leaders have aligned themselves with the youth, reflecting a shared frustration with the current administration’s performance.
Peter Munya highlighted the unity between the coalition and the young protesters, stating that both groups seek accountability and meaningful change from the government.
“The future of Kenya belongs to the youth, and they are right to demand a government that works for them, not against them,” Munya said.
Munya also criticized the administration's spending and taxation policies, which he claimed are out of touch with the daily realities faced by most Kenyans.
“People are suffering while the government continues to misuse funds and impose heavy taxes,” he asserted.
He stressed that cosmetic changes, such as potential cabinet reshuffles, would not satisfy the public’s demand for genuine reform.
In contrast to the National Assembly, the Senate has been commended for its stance during this period of unrest.
Musyoka praised the Senate for not going on recess amid the protests, suggesting that this decision shows a commitment to addressing the issues raised by the public.
He accused the National Assembly of failing the youth by not taking their concerns seriously.
“The Senate’s decision to stay active is a sign of its dedication to accountability, unlike the National Assembly,” he said.
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