Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni recently expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the national dialogue initiated by President William Ruto and Azimio leader Raila Odinga.
In an interview on Spice FM, Kioni stated that while the dialogue initiative isn’t inherently negative, he believes it may not be beneficial for the country at this moment. He emphasized that the composition of the dialogue participants could hinder its success, pointing out that Generation Z has already voiced opposition to the proposed talks.
“Dialoguing is not a bad thing but it is not useful for us today as a country. It is not going to work because who are we dialoguing with?,” Kioni posed.
The Jubilee SG opined that it was a plot by the government to buy more time to do what they want.
He further questioned why it is now that they are interested in the talks, when they were dismissive of any engagements after elections.
“It’s a way of the Executive slowing things down and failing to do what Kenyans want and they keep you in boardrooms over time as they again buy time and continue doing what they have always done.”
Opposition leaders, including Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni, along with other prominent figures like Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Narc Kenya’s Martha Karua, and Democratic Action Party of Kenya’s Eugene Wamalwa, have publicly rejected the calls for dialogue initiated by President William Ruto and Raila Odinga.
Last week, Ruto and Raila announced plans to commence a six-day national dialogue, termed the ‘National Multi-Sectoral Forum,’ starting on Monday. They proposed that the forum would involve 150 participants, including 50 youth representatives, aiming to facilitate discussions on addressing Kenya’s critical challenges and suggesting pathways forward for the country.
“This forum will begin on Monday, next week and end on Saturday next week, it will be a 6-day forum and will propose the way forward for the country,” Ruto said.
The ODM leader reiterated the importance of the forum, saying that it will give Kenyans a chance to be heard.
“Dialogue is the way forward out of the crisis we’re having in our country,” Raila added.
“We have agreed that we give people an opportunity to be heard, to express themselves so that a lasting solution can be found.”
