NO, Raila Does Not Represent Us—Gen Z

For the first time in memorable political history the doyen of Kenya’s opposition Raila Amollo Odinga has met day long opposition from one of his strongest constituencies -the youth.

Raila intimated that he had consulted with president Ruto and that the best way forward was to allow dialogue 

Immediately an X user known as 5people said “Raila, as you go ahead and dialogue, kindly don’t involve us. Discuss your private matters. You don’t speak on our behalf.”

Raila had spoken outside Kenyatta International Conference Centre where he attended a function alongside Ruto to mark accent to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Bill.

 Raila and Ruto, seemingly, agreed to commence a six-day multi-sectorial forum which is set to begin on Monday, July 15, and end on Saturday to foster national dialogue and seek lasting solutions to Kenya’s pressing issues following the Gen Z-driven anti-taxation protests.

“I am happy to confirm that we have had consultations and we have agreed that dialogue is the way forward out of the crisis that we’re having today in our country,” said Mr Odinga.

The youth in unison immediately took up frenzied activity on X stating that Raila had no mandate to speak on their behalf.

Minutes after the public announcement, Kenyans online, mostly the youth, fired at Mr Odinga questioning in what capacity he would be taking part in the talks as many distanced themselves from being represented by politicians.

Odinga’s 2022 General Election running mate Martha Karua termed the move “a trap”, adding that it will hinder the existence of meaningful talks to iron out the demands for Gen Zs.

“I agree with those who say Action Now on the clear and attainable demands of the Gen Z to enhance accountability and make the state work for the masses rather than for a handful elites,” she wrote on X.

“Let’s be careful as the political class lest we hijack the genuine clamor for accountability and reforms by the Gen Z. This is a trap period.”

Odinga’s biological son also chimed into the online clamor, seemingly distancing himself from his father’s opinions saying “Everybody is an individual please! Even people with the same exact names.”

Other Kenyans hopped on the ridicule bandwagon insisting that dialogue between Odinga and the government has always collapsed and he will not be allowed to represent the youth in any capacity whatsoever.

Odinga’s private credentials including his mobile phone numbers were later paraded on the platform, customary to how any individual acting against the demands of the Gen Z has been treated.

A smartly done Photoshop image of Raila donning UDA Party t-shirt has been circulated extensively on social media.

Another user Cornelius Ronoh said “The dialogue is between two individuals; William Ruto and Raila Odinga. We refuse to be controlled by selfish politicians who only value their stomachs. Gen Zs and Millennials are now taking the bull by the horns. Hatupangwingwi. They will not believe!”

The Government Critic also wrote “We told Raila Odinga to rest and let us handle our on matter. We are not going to dialogue with President William Ruto. We know how it ends and Baba is a clear example how dialogue never works!”

Prominent Kenyan X user Cyprian Nyakundi added “Raila Odinga is the biggest enemy of the Gen-Z movement. He has been worried all along because it’s now clear that Kenyans can unite without him, putting his bargaining power at risk.”

The vexed youths have maintained that they will not tire to mount pressure against government and will remain leaderless and without any political representation.

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