Presidential candidate and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has urged the national government to hold a genuine dialogue with young people, saying the youth feel disillusioned and unheard in the current political and economic climate.

Speaking during a television interview on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, Matiang’i said the country had reached a point where meaningful conversations with the youth were no longer optional but necessary.

He pointed out that young people are feeling ignored, which is fueling tension nationwide. He believes that government leaders who have the power to convene such dialogue must take the lead and bring all voices to the table.

“These young people feel like they are not being heard. I think that time is here for National government leaders who have consequential convening power to call everyone to the table and have conversations with young people who feel they are not being heard,” Matiang’i stated.

National dialogue

Earlier, while addressing a crowd in Thika Town on Sunday, June 29, 2025, after attending a church service at PCEA Thika, Matiang’i threw his weight behind the Catholic Bishops’ recent call for a national dialogue to address the country’s challenges. He said he fully supports the church’s efforts, which he sees as a step toward unity and healing.

Matiang’i expressed concern that during times of national crisis, leaders often shift blame instead of searching for practical solutions. He warned Kenyans not to fall into the trap of political division, urging the public to resist leaders who incite violence or push blame onto others rather than seeking real answers to the country’s problems.

“Niliona mkutano wa askofu wa katoliki wametoa barua kwa makanisa yao yote. I support it 100 per cent kwamba imefika wakati wa kuweza kuja pamoja, tuone vile tunaweza kusulihisha shida tulizo nazo,” he said.

Adding;

“Na mimi nawaomba hivi wananchi, wakati shida iko kwa nchi sasa ni rahisi kwa viongozi wa kisiasa wengine kuanza kutugawanya, wengine kutuambia tupigane, wengine kusema ni huyu kutoa lawama hapa na pale. Tusikubali maneno kama hayo.”

He also commented on the recent wave of youth-led protests across the country, saying they were a reflection of deep-rooted frustrations that cannot be silenced or overlooked. He said the anger shown by the youth is a wake-up call for the entire nation to reflect on how it is treating its younger generation.

Matiang’i stressed the importance of creating safe spaces where young people can speak freely and be taken seriously. He noted that the first environment where values are taught is the home and that parents must build strong relationships with their children.

According to him, beyond academic knowledge, children need love, attention, and most importantly, the opportunity to be heard.

He warned that when society ignores or suppresses the voices of its young people, it fails to nurture responsible and patient citizens. He believes that truly listening to the youth is key to building a better and more united Kenya.