Roots Party 2022 presidential running mate Justina Wamae has raised concerns over the representation of Gen Zs ahead of President William Ruto’s six-day multi-sectorial forum.
In a statement on her X account on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, Wamae expressed scepticism about the authenticity of the young population’s representation in the upcoming national dialogue intended to address the growing unrest among youths demanding the president’s resignation.
She pointed out the potential misrepresentation of the younger population, noting that the same political figures from past decades might dominate the selection process and will use their relatives as props for the forum.
“The youth/GenZ have been asked to produce 50 representatives that will constitute 150 people to collect views for 6 days. We know the script, (mchezo wa taoni), the same people who have been in our political scene from the 70s, 80s, 90s to date will bring in their grandchildren, nephews, and nieces as ‘Gen-Z’ to prop up the numbers at Bomas or some flashy hotel..do a report that will never be implemented even after 10 years,” Wamae stated.
Wamae’s alternative
Wamae proposed an alternative, suggesting that town hall meetings be held in universities, TVETs, and other higher learning institutions. She believes this would provide a platform for true Gen Z individuals to share their views and offer solutions.
“The ideal should be; having town hall meetings in universities, TVETS and other higher learning institutions, where the TRUE Gen-Z will air their views as well as provide solutions,” she said.
Wamae also noted the need for more business-minded individuals to be involved in the dialogue. She argued that their input would be crucial in shaping policies that promote business growth and create employment opportunities.
“Additionally, the dialogue needs more people in business who will provide relevant information on the factors that will allow businesses to thrive which in turn will create employment. The information gathered will be used by the elected, appointed politicians and technocrats to influence and shape policies that will deal a major blow to unemployment and over-taxation the country is grappling with,” she added.
Wamae called for the election and appointment of visionary and independent thinkers.
“Even more reason to elect and subsequently appoint visionary and independent thinkers who are not dead from the neck upwards,” she said.
Ruto’s forum
President Ruto said the forum is important as it will propose the way forward for the country in these challenging times.
He called on representatives to submit their recommendations ahead of the forum.
“This forum will begin on Monday, next week and end on Saturday next week, it will be a 6-day forum and will propose the way forward for the country,” Ruto said.
President Ruto first proposed the forum on June 29, 2024, to help address the ongoing protests.
In a meeting at the State House in Nairobi with 96 bishops, the Head of State called on the clergy to support this initiative to end the nationwide demonstrations.
“The proposed youth and multi-sectoral forums will give the youth and other stakeholders a platform to discuss these and other national economic challenges that face our country,” Ruto stated.