Fred Matiang'i Dismisses Raila's Call for Dialogue Between Ruto, Gen Z: "Hiyo ni Kujifanya"
- Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i reacted to the dialogue being championed by ODM leader Raila Odinga
- In an interview, Matiang'i explained why he would not take part in any talks between President William Ruto and Gen Z
- The former prime minister had laid out a clear plan on how to resolve Gen Z issues through an intergenerational conclave
Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Nairobi - Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i has distanced himself from the dialogue being advocated by ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Source: Facebook
The former prime minister called for an intergenerational conclave to address the issues being raised by Gen Z.
Will Fred Matiang'i participate in the intergenerational conclave?
According to Raila, dialogue between President William Ruto and Gen Z through a structured avenue is the only route to resolving the current political tension in the country.
However, speaking on K24 TV, Matiang'i ruled out participating in the talks being championed by the veteran opposition leader.
Matiang'i was emphatic that he would not attend the talks even if invited by the president, arguing that such talks would achieve nothing.
"What will he need from me? What will I tell him that he cannot hear from the people in the streets? What can I tell him that he is not hearing from the Gen Z? Hiyo ni kujifanya,. What Gen Zs are asking are straight forward questions do you need a council to resolve those issues" Matiang'i said.
Why does Fred Matiang'i oppose Raila's call for dialogue?
According to Matiang'i, the younger generation has been clear and consistent in its message that the Kenya Kwanza government has failed to listen and fix what they describe as a growing national crisis.
The former Interior CS stated that Raila's call for national dialogue may be well-intentioned, but he said the deeper issue lies in whether Ruto's administration is sincerely willing to engage in a way that leads to change.
“For any democratically elected government, they have to listen and robustly engage the youth. The youth are saying that your government has not listened. These are not just complaints; these are cries rooted in economic hardship, systemic neglect, and exclusion,” he added.
During the same interview, Matiang'i expressed confidence that he is the best-placed candidate to resolve the issues affecting the country.
He argued that many Kenyans are tired of drama being played out by Ruto's administration, and given a chance, he could place the country on the right trajectory.
"Kenyans have come to a point where they are tired of this drama. I think the time is here for people to get some work done... And if people are really looking to get some work done, honestly, I am the guy to get things fixed," he stated.
Source: UGC
Why Kibwana rejected Raila's dialogue calls
In a related development, ex-Makueni governor Kivutha Kibwana dismissed the dialogue being pushed by the former prime minister.
In a statement on Facebook, Kibwana said the dialogue will not achieve anything, given that it is being advocated by the old guards.
He said the veteran opposition leader no longer enjoys the support of Kenyans to lead them in any discussion.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
