Politicians engage minds to quell demos
By Samuel Kariuki, James Murimi and Alvin Mwangi, July 12, 2025The growing dissent mounted by Kenyans against the political elites continues to attract divergent actors willing to mediate and find a lasting solution to the stalemate that has resulted in frequent protests.
Political Parties Liaison Committee (PPLC), which is supporting national dialogue initially proposed by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, is the latest body daring to try where others are failing.
PPLC offered to oversee the dialogue among Kenyans on a day that former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee Party accused Raila of allegedly attempting to hijack the reform agenda from the Gen Zs.
Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni has rejected a proposal by Raila to establish a National Conclave, terming it a scheme to hijack the concerns raised by Kenya’s Gen Z protesters.
Kioni claimed that Odinga’s proposals are not aimed at solving Kenya’s deep-rooted problems but rather at prolonging President William Ruto’s stay in power.
“Kenya must wake up and reject whatever Raila Odinga is proposing. He is good at coming up with names and ideas that serve only his personal interests. We are telling him that we are awake, and this time, he will not succeed,” said Kioni.
But PPLC said it would soon kick off forums at the county level to collect views from Kenyans on issues that affect them, which will form the basis for the national dialogue.
However, the committee is yet to formulate the framework for engagement at the counties and has not set the timelines when the conversations will start or end.
The committee officials condemned some opposition leaders who have dismissed calls for another national dialogue, saying a truce can only be brokered if warring parties engage in a structured dialogue rather than civil unrest.
“If we don’t speak to each other, what do they want us to do? Bend the constitution? Remove somebody from office through irregular means? What is the endgame to that? Chaos? Anarchy? So from where we sit as PPLC, we are a dialogue platform,” the committee organising secretary, Andrew Njoroge, said.
Njoroge said the committee believes in the rule of law, adding that PPLC watch while some of their members plunge the country into political skirmishes over issues that can be resolved through a dialogue.
“There is no way a majority of us, especially within the political parties, will allow a situation of anarchy or start forcing people out of offices,” he said.
“Let us have a dialogue. If that dialogue ends up with somebody leaving office, then so be it. But it will have been through dialogue.”
But even as PPLC steps out to commence the dialogue, critics are raising queries as to what new solutions will be raised, given that the country had already conducted the Building Bridges Initiative and the recent talks hosted by the National Dialogue Committee, where both processes generated reports that were never implemented.
In a clear overstepping of their mandates, PPLC argued that the previous peace talks were not constitutional as they were a mere political quasi-legal engagement, unlike the PPLC-led process, because the committee is a statutory body.
“PPLC is anchored in the law. Section 38 of the Political Parties Act. As a dialogue platform. This is where all talks on politics, inclusivity and national cohesion should happen because all the political parties are represented in the committee,” Njoroge stated.
The talks, he said, will be based on a county forum formula so as to reach as many Kenyans as possible who have been locked out of other similar talks, which are held behind closed doors.
He said: “We propose a framework where we can go out to the people, seek their views, have a discussion, let people ventilate, and we develop a report with an implementation timeline. That is the only way we can resolve all these underlying issues that creep up every electoral cycle.”
Established under the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP), the committee is mandated to provide a platform for dialogue between the Registrar, the Electoral Commission and political parties.
In calling for a national dialogue over matters touching on governance and accountability in public service that has agitated Kenyans, PPLC maintained that its mandate also includes holding talks in the political space.
“All political parties that are registered in this country belong to this committee. Everybody that is going to give any statement from anywhere must at least come back for us to get that same dialogue we give to the country,” PPLC National Vice Chairman Christopher Kilonzo said.
PPLC’s push for a national dialogue came a day after the Democratic Party of Kenya (DP) called for an inclusive national dialogue to address the grievances raised by young Kenyans, particularly Gen Z, who have recently taken to the streets to demand reforms.
In a statement sent to newsrooms on Thursday, the party’s Secretary General, Dr Jacob Haji emphasised the need for peaceful engagement and urged the government to listen to the voices of its citizens.
“As a party, we believe in the power of dialogue to resolve conflicts and find common ground,” said Dr Haji.
“We support the idea of a national dialogue forum that brings together young leaders, civil society, and political stakeholders to address the concerns of all Kenyans,” he added.
He noted that the current wave of discontent among the youth stems from genuine frustrations that must not be ignored.
“The government must listen to its citizens, understand their grievances, and engage in meaningful conversations. Violence and intimidation will not solve the challenges facing our nation,” he said.
Dr Haji praised the Gen Z movement for its courage and creativity in advocating for transparency, accountability, and good governance.
He said the energy and enthusiasm demonstrated by young people should be harnessed to build a better future for all.
“As members of the Democratic Party, we have always believed in unity and justice for all. Our motto, Umoja na Haki, reflects our commitment to ensuring that every Kenyan can live in peace and dignity,” Dr Haji said.
He reiterated the party’s support for the constitutional rights of all Kenyans, particularly the youth, to express their opinions and take part in shaping the nation’s future.
“We admire the Gen Z generation for their bravery. We support their calls for good governance and are ready to work with them to find lasting solutions,” he said.
Dr Haji called on the youth to remain patient and peaceful as they press for change, warning against resorting to violence or destruction.
“It is your responsibility to protect our country. We urge you to engage in peaceful dialogue and avoid any actions that may lead to instability,” he said.
The DP boss affirmed the party’s willingness to engage constructively with young people and civil society to find common ground and promote national cohesion.
“We want you to know that your voices matter. You deserve a seat at the table when decisions about the country’s future are being made,” said Dr Haji.
“We wish for peaceful coexistence among all Kenyans and reaffirm our commitment to justice, unity, and national progress,” he added.
On his part, Kioni further alleged that Raila is acting on instructions from President Ruto to introduce the conclave idea in an attempt to confuse Kenyans.
“Ruto knows that Kenyans are tired of him, and that’s why he’s using Raila to introduce these questionable concepts. The time for dialogue is over. Our young people are saying, ‘Ruto must go,’” he added.
Kioni urged the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to retire from active politics and let the youth lead the current movement for change.
“This is a Gen Z-led movement. Stop forcing yourselves into it. You are already old, and it’s time to exit the stage gracefully,” said Kioni.
On Monday, Odinga proposed an urgent Inter-Generational National Conclave to address issues of governance, economic hardship, and police brutality in the wake of Gen Z-led protests.
Odinga called on political leaders, civil society, faith-based organisations, and the youth to support the proposed forum, warning that continued repression and silence could further destabilise the country.