Opposition leader Raila Odinga faced intense criticism from Kenyans online after announcing his agreement to engage in dialogue with President William Ruto to address the current national crisis.
The six-day multi-sectorial forum, set to begin on Monday, July 15, aims to foster national dialogue and find lasting solutions to the issues that have sparked recent Gen Z-led anti-taxation protests.
“I am happy to confirm that we have had consultations and we have agreed that dialogue is the way forward out of the crisis that we’re having today in our country,” said Odinga.
“We agreed that we give people an opportunity to be heard, to express themselves, to come out with the grievances which are actually ailing our country today so that a lasting solution can be found.”
Shortly after this announcement, the online community, especially the youth, began criticizing Odinga. Many questioned his capacity to represent them, with some distancing themselves from any political affiliation.
Odinga’s 2022 running mate, Martha Karua, termed the dialogue as “a trap” and warned it could hinder genuine discussions on the demands of Gen Z.
“I agree with those who say Action Now on the clear and attainable demands of the GenZ to enhance accountability and make the state work for the masses rather than for a handful elites,” Karua wrote on X. “Let’s be careful as the political class lest we hijack the genuine clamor for accountability and reforms by the Gen Z. This is a trap period.”
Also, Former Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa publicly renounced the recent calls for national dialogue initiated by President William Ruto and Azimio leader Raila Odinga.
In a post on social media platform X, Wamalwa expressed his disapproval with a succinct statement: “I am not boarding!”
Even Odinga’s son appeared to distance himself from his father’s decision, tweeting, “Everybody is an individual please! Even people with the same exact names.”
Online users continued to express their dissatisfaction, with some sharing Odinga’s private credentials and others posting photoshopped images of him in a UDA t-shirt.
Prominent Kenyan X user Cyprian Nyakundi also weighed in, stating, “Raila Odinga is the biggest enemy of the Gen-Z movement. He has been worried all along because it’s now clear that Kenyans can unite without him, putting his bargaining power at risk.”
Another user added, “The dialogue is between two individuals; William Ruto and Raila Odinga. We refuse to be controlled by selfish politicians who only value their stomachs. Gen Zs and Millennials are now taking the bull by the horns. Hatupangwingwi. They will not believe!”
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