Gen Z Rejects Raila Odinga’s Call for Dialogue Over Finance Bill
By Ronny Macharia
In a surprising turn of events, Gen Z has publicly rebuked Azimio La Umoja coalition leader Raila Odinga’s recent proposal to engage in dialogue with President William Ruto regarding the contentious Finance Bill. This proposal, which Odinga described as a necessary step to address the current political and economic crises, has been met with sharp criticism from the younger generation.
On Tuesday, Raila Odinga expressed optimism about the prospect of a dialogue, stating, “I am happy to confirm that we have had consultations and have agreed that a dialogue is the way forward out of the crisis that we are facing today in our country.” However, this approach has been dismissed by Gen Z, who view it as a maneuver to undermine their right to protest and voice their grievances.
The youth-led backlash has taken the form of a viral online campaign, with the hashtag #AgambwoKaaHome trending across social media platforms. This movement criticizes both Odinga and President Ruto, labeling them as political figures who ignore the genuine needs and concerns of the younger generation.
One prominent Gen Z activist articulated the sentiment of many, saying, “Neither Ruto nor Raila speaks on our behalf. We are party-less, tribe-less, and most importantly, we are leaderless.” This statement underscores a broader sentiment among young people who feel alienated from the established political frameworks in Kenya.
The Finance Bill, which has been a flashpoint for public discontent, remains at the center of this debate. While Odinga’s proposed dialogue aims to address the bill’s contentious aspects, Gen Z activists argue that the current political elite are more interested in their own agendas than in genuinely addressing public concerns.
As the debate rages on, it remains to be seen how both Odinga and Ruto will respond to the overwhelming disapproval from the younger demographic. For now, the tension between the demands of the younger generation and the proposed solutions from seasoned politicians continues to shape the discourse around Kenya’s political future.
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