The Wiper party has criticized President William Ruto’s approach to engaging with Kenyan youth as a solution to ongoing anti-government protests. In a statement on Wednesday, the Kalonzo Musyoka-led party expressed that the current regime is out of touch with the Gen Zs’ demand for immediate action rather than dialogue.
Wiper urged President Ruto to address the issues highlighted in the protests rather than arranging meetings with youth representatives. “In terms of the Gen Z revolution, it appears that Ruto lacks an understanding of public sentiment. Generation Z does not wish to engage in dialogue. They want action, and Wiper agrees,” the party stated after a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
The party argued that the problems facing the country require implementation, not dialogue, citing the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) formed last year. Wiper noted that despite NADCO’s recommendations on the Finance Bill 2023, the process was ineffective in addressing Kenyans’ needs.
Wiper proposed implementing Gen Z demands, including posting medical interns, dissolving Parliament, and sacking corrupt officials, rather than seeking dialogue. “The current situation in Kenya could have been avoided if the regime had addressed rising living costs and implemented the National Dialogue Committee findings. You don’t need dialogue. Dialogue is not required to assess public debt because the Auditor General’s Office has the same role,” the statement read.
Wiper called for decisive actions such as dissolving Parliament, holding a snap election, and for President Ruto to step down, aligning with Gen Z and Kenyans’ demands. The party also pledged to support the Gen Z movement and encouraged inviting Kalonzo to social media spaces for further engagement.
The statement follows criticism directed at both President Ruto and Azimio la Umoja One Kenya leader Raila Odinga for pushing talks with Gen Zs. Mr. Odinga faced backlash for supporting the President’s call to engage with Gen Z, with netizens questioning his representation of their interests.
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