Raila Odinga, the opposition leader in Kenya, has taken a firm stance against President William Ruto’s proposal for national dialogue, asserting that “justice must come before talks.”
In a letter addressed to Kenya’s youth on Sunday, Odinga expressed solidarity with the younger generation, who have been at the forefront of anti-government protests for over a month.
He outlined several conditions that must be met before he would consider participating in the six-day multi-sectoral dialogue forum proposed by President Ruto on July 9, 2024.
Conditions by Raila
These conditions include:
1. Compensation for victims of police brutality
2. Dismissal of all protest-related legal cases
3. Release of individuals abducted or jailed during protests
4. Addressing grievances in healthcare and education sectors
5. Reverting public healthcare insurance to NHIF and abandoning SHIF
6. Prosecution of security personnel involved in violence against peaceful protesters
Odinga emphasized, “Once these issues are resolved, we can focus on a National Conversation, and conducted transparently in a neutral venue.”
Talks to Involve Various Sectors of Society
He proposed that this national convention should include representatives from various sectors of society, including youth, government officials, religious leaders, healthcare professionals, lawyers, and educators.
The opposition leader suggested that this broader national conversation should address critical issues such as:
1. Promoting good governance
2. Tackling the rising cost of living
3. Eradicating tribalism
4. Combating corruption
5. Managing national debt and improving fiscal policies
