Elachi commends Raila’s dialogue push, appeals to youth to participate
By Cy Muganda, July 19, 2025Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi has praised ODM leader Raila Odinga for his recent calls for national dialogue, urging young people to actively participate in conversations about Kenya’s future.
Speaking in Kakamega County on Friday, July 18, 2025, Elachi commended Raila’s leadership in promoting dialogue as a solution to the ongoing wave of youth-led protests.
“I want to sincerely thank Baba Raila Amolo Odinga because he has now said we should talk,” Elachi stated during her address.
Youth leadership call
In a passionate appeal, the legislator challenged young people to move beyond apathy and take leadership in the national discourse, warning against being misled or sidelined.
“Let’s stop being fed with endless stories from here and there — we have the vote, and we have everything,” she said.
“I appeal to our youth – come forward so we can talk. You are the ones who will take over this country,” she added.
Elachi pointed to the country’s development roadmap, noting that Vision 2030 is nearing its conclusion and a new long-term framework is on the horizon.
“Vision 2030 is almost ending. We are entering Vision 2070. You are the ones who should take over this country,” she emphasised.
Raila’s dialogue push
Her remarks align with Raila Odinga’s recent proposal for a broad-based national dialogue aimed at tackling key issues, including police brutality, corruption, and youth unemployment.
On July 7, 2025, during a press conference, Raila called on President William Ruto to initiate an inclusive, intergenerational national conclave with clear terms of reference.
“I propose an inclusive intergenerational national conclave to hear our people across all divides and to develop irreducible reforms and changes necessary to take the country forward. Such a national conclave must have clear terms of reference and be steered by the most serious and sober minds in our nation,” he stated.
Raila later clarified during a funeral service on July 12 that the process must reflect Kenya’s full diversity, not just a generational mix.
He proposed that each of the 47 counties nominate 40 delegates — 20 youth and 20 others from elders, women, people with disabilities, businesspeople, and civil society.
“This should not just be intergenerational, it must be representative of Kenya’s full diversity,” he said.
He also revealed that the national conversation is expected to begin in August.
“I have suggested that we start this conversation next month,” he said.