Listen to This Article Enhance your reading experience by listening to this article.

A section of Gusii elected leaders has called on President William Ruto to dialogue with Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya honchos Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka and Martha Karua to address challenges facing Kenyans to ease their suffering.

The leaders drawn from various political parties, said the ongoing protests by the leaders were affecting businesses and the education sector noting that if not addressed, Kenyans will continue suffering.

Kisii county lawmaker, Dorice Donya Aburi, said the breakout of Covid-19 disrupted education, and squeezed the education calendar, stressing that teachers have raised concerns over the protests disrupting education.

“The children were taught for four terms in one year due to the pandemic. The demonstrations will affect learning if they continue. We want peace,” Donya said

The MP, accompanied by colleagues – Clive Gisairo, ODM, Kitutu Masaba, Steve Mogaka, Jubilee (West Mugirango), Senator Eric Omogeni ODM, ( Nyamira county and nominated Senator, Essy Okenyuri was speaking at Nyamagwa Mixed secondary school, Nyaribari Chache constituency during a mentorship session for learners drawn from 100 schools in the county.

She said the mentorship was to sensitize the children on career choice and shun immoral activities which will disorient their education and lives.

“We have high cases of defilement, teenage pregnancies, HIV/Aids and drug abuse. We want to mentor the children to help them make the right choices,” Donya noted.

West Mugirango MP, Steve Mogaka, said Ruto and the opposition leaders needed to negotiate on issues affecting Kenyans. He stressed that it was important for the president to listen to the leaders even if he did not agree with everything they say.

He said solutions to problems facing Kenyans could only be found if the leaders negotiated, adding that Kenyans do not want a country where everyone is victimized because of his or her political choice.

“I urge the president to listen to all citizens to chart out a course for the country. Nobody is a monopoly on knowledge. Let us listen to each other,” Mogaka said and implored Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, to tone down to foster the country’s unity.

While reiterating the call for negotiation, Nyamira senator Okong’o O’mogeni said retired late presidents- Mwai Kibaki and Daniel Moi embraced negotiations during their regimes and it enhanced peace.

“I urge president Ruto to sit with Raila and discuss how taxes can be lowered to ease the suffering of majority of poor Kenyans,” Omogeni said.

He asked Gachagua to shun advancing the narrative that Kenya belongs to shareholders, stressing that Kenyans paid taxes and the government should address their plight.