The Kenya Internally Displaced Persons Organization (KIDOPO) has called for a national conversation between leaders and young people.
KIDPO has also urged the young people to give dialogue a chance while allowing President William Ruto to act on the grievances raised during the anti-finance bill protests.
KIDPO Patron Peter Tena observed that further escalation, such as threats to occupy certain government offices were unnecessary saying the government has demonstrated commitment to initiate dialogue with Gen Z.
Tena indicated that President Ruto’s efforts of reviving the economy and unifying the country are dependent on peace and noted that absence of peace renders everything else impotent.
“The government has acknowledged their unity and demands, and it is now time to allow the government to implement a fair Bill that does not burden citizens,” stated the Patron.
Speaking to journalists in Nakuru Tena affirmed that citizens need to uphold peace and respect rule of law.
He expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and emphasized that it was essential to focus on preserving stability and ensuring that any further actions are pursued through democratic and inclusive processes.
“To our young generation, the nation is yours and your families are our families and we thank you for being our children but we also have a nation, which belongs to all of us. Let us all share by listening to one another and we want to listen to you,” said Tena.
Tena called on other leaders across the political divide to emulate the President and listen to the youth and urged Kenyans in general to embrace the divine invitation of “come, let’s reason together” for the common good of all.
He reminded leaders that their power is derived from the people, stressing the importance of adhering to democratic principles urging leaders to exercise restraint and engage with the populace.
“I call for calm and for the leadership to show restraint and do the right thing by listening to the people and not being antagonistic to them. Violence on either side is not the answer,” he stated.
