Karua claimed that the government intends to use the talks to divert Kenyans from actual issues facing the country.
NARC- Kenya Party Leader Martha Karua on Tuesday, July 9 dismissed the recent calls for national dialogue by forming a multi-sectoral forum to address issues raised by Gen Z during the recent anti-government demonstrations.
In a series of statements on X, Karua claimed that the government intends to use the talks to divert Kenyans from actual issues facing the country.
“Dialogue can only be meaningful if the players have good faith and are guided by the best interests of the people. This is a trap period,” she wrote.
Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka with President William Ruto during the assenting of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2024 at KICC, Nairobi on July 9, 2024. /PCS
She believed that individuals were hijacking the genuine mission of keeping the government of the day accountable, which she claimed was “a handful of elites.”
Karua thus urged the political class to exercise caution to ensure that the demands fronted by the Gen Z are met to bolster accountability.
Rallying her support to Gen Z who had stormed the streets to protest against proposed taxes, Karua urged her fellow politicians to be keen on whatever decisions they make, insisting that such decisions should have the interests of Kenyans at heart.
“Let’s be careful as the political class lest we hijack the genuine clamour for accountability and reforms by the GenZ
“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 of elites,” she added.
On Tuesday, former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga welcomed the move saying it is the way forward to get out of the current crisis in the country.
“I can confirm that we have had consultations and after the consultations, we have agreed that a dialogue is the way forward out of the crisis that we have had as a country,” Raila stated.
“We have agreed we give people an opportunity to be heard, express themselves and come out with the grievances that are ailing our country today so that a lasting solution can be found.”
The multi-sectoral forum is expected to include, the religious community, political parties, civil society, and professional groups.
Raila Calls Out Govt For Omitting Cost Of Living In NADCO Talks
Subsequently, Raila on his social media platforms lamented that the government had intentionally blocked the cost of living issue from the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) agenda, arguing that Azimio had proposed to have the National Dialogue Committee discuss matters related to the cost of living.
Raila claimed that the government had blocked attempts to have talks revolving around this particular issue, labelling it as “strictly a government affair”.
