Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka raised a significant issue: the cyberbullying of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga following his recent meeting with President William Ruto in a stirring address at the Pan African Youth Convention.
Kalonzo revealed that this online harassment had become so intense that Raila was compelled to change his phone number, highlighting a worrying trend of disrespect and invasion of privacy faced by public figures in Kenya.
Kalonzo opened his speech by recounting the incident in detail. According to him, after Raila's meeting with President Ruto, a segment of the Kenyan population inundated Raila with messages and phone calls.
The sheer volume and persistent nature of these communications left Raila with no choice but to change his phone number, a step that underscores the gravity of the situation.
"I spoke to my big brother Hon. Raila Odinga on my way here," Kalonzo said. "People went to visit him yesterday, and he had to change his telephone number. The Gen Z put his number everywhere. Please be kind to Baba. If they can do that to Raila Odinga, imagine who else in this country."
Kalonzo's plea for kindness towards Raila Odinga was a call to all Kenyans to consider the personal impacts of their actions on public figures. He pointed out that if someone as prominent as Raila could be subjected to such treatment, it could happen to anyone, highlighting the need for greater empathy and respect in public discourse.
The Wiper Party leader did not stop at addressing the issue of cyberbullying. He also took the opportunity to laud the efforts of the Kenyan youth, particularly those from Generation Z, for their role in recent protests.
Kalonzo noted that these young people had succeeded in fostering social cohesion and bringing about change in ways that established political parties and civil organizations had long struggled to achieve.
"We need to applaud Gen Zs. Imagine they have achieved what the NCIC and political parties failed to do," Kalonzo stated. "I believe that African youth can follow the example of Kenyan Gen Zs by claiming the rights enshrined in their respective constitutions."
Kalonzo's praise for the youth was a recognition of their determination and innovative approaches to activism. He emphasized that the youth had managed to create a sense of unity and purpose that had eluded many traditional political structures.
This, he suggested, was a testament to their potential to drive meaningful change not just in Kenya, but across the African continent.
However, Kalonzo's speech also contained a strong critique of President William Ruto's administration. He accused the government of using excessive force in response to recent demonstrations, which had led to the loss of lives.
"Using excessive force against protesters is unacceptable. It is every Kenyan's right to picket and demonstrate," Kalonzo asserted.
This critique of the government's handling of protests was a pointed reminder of the importance of upholding democratic principles and protecting the rights of citizens.
Kalonzo's remarks come at a time of significant political tension in Kenya. The country has been grappling with various challenges, including economic issues, social unrest, and a complex political landscape.
In this context, the role of the youth has been particularly noteworthy. Young people have been at the forefront of demanding change, pushing for reforms, and holding leaders accountable.
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