Nairobi, July 10, 2024 – ODM backs national dialogue announced by President William Ruto.
Azimio leader Raila Odinga has publicly acknowledged the significant backlash from Kenyan youths concerning a potential political handshake with President William Ruto.
The controversy began when Raila posted on his X account, sharing photos of himself with Senators Edwin Sifuna (Nairobi), Eddy Oketch (Migori), and Crystal Asige (nominated). In his post, Raila stated, "Nimeambiwa na hawa viongozi kwamba mumesema hamtaki handshake. Ujumbe umefika," translating to,
"I have been told by these leaders that you said you don't want a handshake. The message has been received."
This statement directly addressed the growing discontent among the youth and other segments of the population who fear that a handshake might betray their aspirations for political change and reform.
The uproar among the youth and other stakeholders came in the wake of an announcement by President Ruto and Raila Odinga about a planned six-day multi-sectoral forum.
Scheduled to start on Monday, July 15, this forum aims to foster national dialogue and seek long-lasting solutions to Kenya's pressing issues.
President Ruto emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "This forum will begin on Monday next week and end on Saturday next week. It will be a six-day forum and will propose the way forward for the country."
Raila supported this initiative, highlighting the necessity of dialogue to resolve the country's ongoing crises.
"Dialogue is the way forward out of the crisis we're having in our country," he said.
"We have agreed that we give people an opportunity to be heard, to express themselves so that a lasting solution can be found."
Despite these assurances, the call for dialogue has not been universally welcomed. Many Kenyans, particularly the younger generation, express concerns that a political handshake might undermine their interests and the broader goals of political reform. These concerns have been vigorously voiced on social media platforms, compelling Raila to address them directly.
Senator Edwin Sifuna also weighed in on the issue, emphasizing that while Raila leads a significant number of people, not everyone falls under his leadership. He pointed out that Raila's efforts for dialogue are aimed at representing the broader public interest, not just a specific demographic.
"Baba has people he is leading, not everyone is leaderless or partyless," Sifuna stated.
The planned forum is seen as a critical step in addressing Kenya's multifaceted political and social challenges. Both President Ruto and Raila Odinga hope that through this dialogue, a consensus can be reached on how to move the country forward.
The involvement of multiple sectors, including political leaders, civil society, and youth representatives, is intended to ensure that all voices are heard and considered in the decision-making process.
The forum aims to tackle a range of issues, from economic challenges and political reforms to social justice and governance. The organizers believe that by bringing together diverse stakeholders, they can foster a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to solving the country's problems.
This is particularly important in a nation where historical grievances, ethnic tensions, and economic disparities often fuel political unrest and instability.
One of the primary concerns among the youth is the fear that a handshake between Raila and Ruto might lead to a political compromise that could sideline their interests and the broader push for reforms.
Many young Kenyans have been vocal about their desire for a more transparent, accountable, and inclusive political system.
They worry that a handshake might be perceived as a move to preserve the status quo rather than address the underlying issues that have led to widespread discontent.
In response to these concerns, Raila has reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the voices of the youth and other marginalized groups are heard and addressed in the dialogue process.
He has called for patience and understanding, emphasizing that the forum is an opportunity for all Kenyans to come together and work towards a common goal.
"We have agreed that we give people an opportunity to be heard, to express themselves so that a lasting solution can be found," Raila said.
President Ruto, on his part, has also sought to reassure the public that the forum is not about political deals or compromises but about finding real solutions to the challenges facing the country.
"This forum will begin on Monday next week and end on Saturday next week. It will be a six-day forum and will propose the way forward for the country," he said.
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