Kathuri, Mwangaza join youth in call for national dialogue after Saba Saba protests

Senate Deputy Speaker Kathuri Murungi and former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza have joined a section of youth in calling for a national dialogue as a means of preventing destructive protests.

Speaking in the wake of the Saba Saba protests, the Meru Senator and Ms Mwangaza said it was important for a national conversation to be convened to avoid such future violence and destruction.

Meru was the scene of some of the most violent protests, and the scale of destruction of property left leaders and residents shocked..

"Meru's harmony was built on inclusivity and tolerance. Leaders must stop weaponizing ethnicity for political gain. We must embrace unity," she said

Meru Future, a youth-led platform that brings together students from 38 tertiary institutions in 47 counties, said it was time for an ‘intergenerational national conversation, which would offer the youth a platform to be heard on important issues affecting the country and the cause of their disaffection with the government.

They bemoaned the tragic loss of their colleagues in the June 25, 2024, protests against the Finance Bill 2024 and this year’s Saba Saba protests.

“What began as outrage on the streets has now evolved into a collective civic consciousness. And with that, a demand for accountability, dignity, and lasting structural reform,” the youth said in North Imenti.

They said they were in support of the convening of a national conversation platform, which would aim to restore trust and justice.

“Enforced disappearances, police brutality, and disregard for constitutional rights have no place in a democratic society. We must restore the rule of law and dignity for every Kenyan,” said Gerald Mukaria, a 22-year-old Criminology student.

They said that with the youth making up to 70 percent of the population under 35, they must be ‘part of all national decisions’.

“Unemployment, under-representation, and tokenism are not our future,” Mukaria said.

The youth lobby’s Gender secretary, Yvone Gatwiri, 20, and Nancy Mwendwa, a Psychology student, said they should be’ equal partners’ at a national conversation platform aimed at ending the violence and destruction.

Senator Murungi said youth representatives should be identified to take part in such a conversation.