Githunguri Constituency Member of Parliament Gathoni Wamuchomba has encouraged Generation Z not to relent in their pursuit of change.
Wamuchomba cautioned that if they back down, their issues might be neglected like those of the Azimio la Umoja coalition, which have not yet been addressed in parliament. She emphasized the importance of persistence to ensure that their voices and concerns are heard and acted upon.
Gathoni Wamuchomba’s reminder
She reminded Gen Z how Azimio conceded, leading to the formation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO), but revealed that the report is yet to be adopted.
“After the conclusion of the 2022 General Elections, Baba and his Azimio brigades went to the streets demanding inclusion in government; they conceded. A national dialogue committee, NADCO, was formed and held national dialogue sessions live on camera where Kenyans presented their opinions and suggestions.
“Baba backed down, relaxed, and waited. It’s now over a year, and the report was neither debated nor adopted in parliament; it’s gathering dust on the shelves. (No wonder we are yet to constitute the IEBC),” Wamuchomba posted a statement on her X account.
There has been a push to have Gen Z leadership represent them, while a section believes that forming such a group will weaken their strong push.
Wamuchomba warned that if they form a committee, which she labelled NADCO 2, the recommendations will go nowhere.
She cited the fake fertilizer issue as an example of how parliament is patronized and has lost credibility.
“Then came Gen Zs in the struggle; they aroused a national economic concern amidst protests. They again conceded and are planning to form a new multisectoral committee. Allow me to call it NADCO 2. I can attest to this: any committee reports which require action from the Kenyan parliament are as dead as a dodo!
“What happened to the report on fake fertilizer? From my experience, I can conclusively say that parliament is heavily patronized, desecrated, defiled, and has lost credibility among the majority of Kenyans. What do you expect from a parliament which sneaks an agenda without going through the House business committee as per the standing orders?” she pointed out.
Gathoni Wamuchomba’s conclusion
Wamuchomba concluded by saying that the multisectoral committee will only serve to scatter the youth and buy time. She urged Gen Z not to be deceived or subdued and to continue pushing for change.
“Multisectoral committee will be another tactic to buy time and scatter the already compounding voice of the disappointed youth of Kenya. It’s my opinion that this will be another round of pounding water in a pot. No matter what energy is inputted, no Ugali can come out of it. To the Gen Zs, this is your constitutional moment. Those of us before you agree, we were deceived, subdued, and lost it; a reason why systems aren’t functioning right now in your favour. No wonder you are up and about greeting us in your absurd styles. My advice is, to seize it and press for change. We are looking up to you from afar,” she concluded.
On Saturday, President William Ruto released a roadmap that he will use to engage with the youth following the Finance Bill 2024 and anti-government protests.
Responding to the protests, the Head of State promised to engage the youth, and now how that will be done has been revealed in a statement signed by the Head of Public Service, Felix Kosgei.
The National Steering Committee will comprise 100 people and will be the apex organ of the NMSF. Its core functions will include providing the framework, modalities, agenda, and timelines for a nationwide dialogue on matters raised by the youth.
Key items on the agenda that the committee will engage with and discuss with the presidency have also been outlined, including jobs and other opportunities, the nation’s tax policy, the national debt burden, representation and accountability, and anti-corruption measures.
Before the engagements begin, each umbrella body has been requested to nominate two representatives of either gender for consideration for appointment to the National Steering Committee (NSC).
