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Raila: My plan for national dialogue to begin in August
ODM party leader Raila Odinga.
What you need to know:
- Mr Odinga proposed that a total of 40 representatives be picked to represent each of the 47 counties, with 50 per cent being the youth.
- The former Prime Minister accused a section of politicians led by Rigathi Gachagua of seeking to entrench tribalism in the country.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has defended his calls for a national discourse on the myriad of socio-economic issues facing the country, saying it was the best way to go now.
Mr Odinga said there was a need for a review of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, to address the gaps identified over the last 15 years of devolution.
"We should review the Constitution and address the gaps that have come to the fore in the era of devolution in the country," said Mr Odinga, who has been a proponent of constitutional change for much of his political career.
Mr Odinga said the national discourse should begin next month (August) to allow Kenyans to ventilate on the issues affecting the country.
He said the issues raised by the youth—leading to protests, police killings, looting, and destruction of property—should open the door for a national conversation.
Mr Odinga proposed that a total of 40 representatives be picked to represent each of the 47 counties, with 50 per cent being the youth.
"We should pick 20 youths from each county and another 20 from the same regions to represent the other cadres—generations and professionals, the disabled, the elderly, women, and civil society," Mr Odinga said.
Mr Odinga was speaking at Kapkimolwo in Bomet East constituency Bomet county during the funeral of Alyson Cherotich, the daughter of Sam and Eunice Sigei. Ms Sigei (Eunice) is the sister to Mr Odinga's wife Ida.
The former Prime Minister has also differed with President William Ruto and Cabinet Secretary for Interior Kipchumba Murkomen over the shoot-to-kill and shoot-to-immobilize orders issued to the police against protesters.
Dr Ruto directed the police to shoot looters in the legs, immobilize, arrest, and prosecute them thereafter.
Shoot-to-kill order
The President, in a fit of anger, declared that enough was enough regarding the demonstrations, looting, attacks, and burning of police stations, as well as the targeting of security installations.
Mr Murkomen's shoot-to-kill order continues to irk Mr Odinga, who said those who flout the laws of the country should be arrested, charged in court, and either convicted or released.
But Mr Odinga took on Dr Ruto and Mr Murkomen head-on, saying it was illegal and uncalled for to shoot demonstrators.
"Police should simply arrest and prosecute those who have taken advantage of the demonstrations to commit criminal activities. Shooting them should not arise," Mr Odinga said.
He said the demonstrations that have rocked the country in recent weeks should come to an end to allow the government to address the issues raised by the youth.
"Demonstration is not an end in itself but a means to an end. As such, the demonstrations should come to an end," Mr Odinga said.
Mr Odinga accused a section of politicians led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of seeking to entrench tribalism in the country.
"Kenya belongs to all of us, and no community, tribe, or group of people has more right than others to live and work in this country or take charge of leadership," Mr Odinga said.
"Even if we were to reinstate the Wamunyoro man (Mr Gachagua) as Deputy President, it would not solve the problems facing the country," he added.
Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, National Assembly Majority Whip Silvanus Osoro, Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok, among others who accompanied Mr Odinga, also called for an end to demonstrations and tribalism.
