Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has come to the defence of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition leader Raila Odinga following the Generation Zs (Gen Zs) uproar.
Speaking during an interview with a local station on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, Sifuna said Raila is not going to the dialogue to speak on behalf of Gen Zs but for the people he leads.
He further reminded Gen Zs about their leaderless talk and not wanting Raila to represent them adding that not everyone is leaderless.
“Baba hajasema anaenda kuongelelea Gen Z. Gen Z walisema wako leaderless. Walimwambia yeye si leader wao lakini Baba ako na watu anaongoza. Sio kila mtu ako leaderless. Sio kila mtu ako partyless. Mimi nko na party mimi ni SG wa iyo chama. Pia sisi tuko na stake kwa hii nchi na hatuwezi kaa kama leaders na tunyamaze hivi na vitu zinaharibika unaona,” he said.
Sifuna urged the Gen Zs to let Raila and other leaders have the national dialogue since they were not against their (Gen Zs) X spaces engagement with President William Ruto.
Sifuna on folding hands
He added that as leaders they can not fold their hands and watch the country as it falls into crisis.
“Tyranny ni kitu mbaya. Wao si walifanya X Spaces yao na Rais uliona Sifuna huko ama Raila? Hapana. So kwanini Raila akienda kuongea (wanalalamika). Raila anaongoza pia watu. He is a leader. Sio kila mtu ni leaderless kuna watu wako na leaders na hao leaders pia wanataka kuongea kwa sababu hii nchi sisi wote tutaijenga,” Sifuna added.
Dialogue
Speaking during the signing of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Bill into law on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, Azimio la Umoja One Kenya collation Raila Odinga called for national dialogue to address the current crisis facing the country.
He added that dialogue is the only solution that will deal with the fundamental issues that are currently affecting the country.
“We have had consultations and have agreed that a dialogue is the way forward out of the crisis that we are facing in the country. We have agreed that give people an opportunity to express themselves to come out with the problems that are ailing our country today so that a lasting solution can be found,” he said.
“We want it to be a very engaging conversation. We agree on the way forward that will deal with the fundamental issues that are affecting our society today.”
However, the proposed national dialogue has faced opposition not only from the youths but also from a section of the political class who have termed it a trap that has gone against the Gen Zs’ demands.