The youth of Homa Bay county, particularly Generation Z, have voiced their support for Raila Odinga’s call for national dialogue, emphasizing his commitment to the rights of Kenyans and his refusal to let the nation drift off course.
Key figures such as Joseph Aloo, John Ogemba, and Jasper Onyango expressed their agreement with both Raila and President William Ruto’s determination to fully implement the findings of the National Dialogue Committee.
Ogemba highlighted a significant step towards addressing Generation Z’s expectations, pointing to President Ruto’s signing of the IEBC Amendment Bill at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre. “Interpreting the encounter at KICC as a mere handshake is incorrect,” Ogemba stated, adding that the bill’s signing was about transforming Kenya.
Speaking to journalists in Homa Bay town, the youth encouraged their peers across Kenya to embrace dialogue. They emphasized that the National Dialogue Committee’s report addresses key issues raised during their protests, such as job creation and necessary reforms, and should be implemented comprehensively to resolve these concerns collaboratively.
Onyango reinforced that Raila is attuned to the nation’s challenges and cannot mislead the public. “Many Kenyans took to the streets last year to protest against the government’s efforts to reduce living costs. We should give dialogue a chance to address all these issues,” he remarked.
Despite facing criticism for joining President Ruto at the IEBC Amendment Bill signing, the youth defended Raila, with Aloo noting the high unemployment rate among young people as a significant concern. “Implementing the National Dialogue Committee’s recommendations could alleviate the high cost of living and youth unemployment,” Aloo said.
ODM youth leader Robert Ouko also supported Raila’s decision to collaborate with President Ruto at the KICC, stating, “No problem can be resolved through protest. Any nation seeking economic development must engage in dialogue.”