Opposition leader Raila Odinga has declared that he will not participate in the national dialogue proposed by President William Ruto unless certain critical conditions are met. Speaking directly to the youth of Kenya, Odinga emphasized that “justice must come before talks,” signaling his unwavering support for the young generation that has been at the forefront of anti-government protests for over a month.
Odinga’s demands, outlined in a letter addressed to the youth on Sunday, stipulate several preconditions that the government must fulfill before he agrees to engage in the six-day multi-sectoral dialogue forum suggested by President Ruto on July 9, 2024. Initially, Odinga had endorsed Ruto’s dialogue initiative, calling it “the best way forward out of the crisis we are having today as a country.” However, he has since revised his stance, underscoring the necessity of addressing key issues first.
Conditions for Dialogue
Odinga has laid out a comprehensive list of demands that the government must meet before he consents to any talks. These include:
- Compensation for Victims of Police Brutality: Recognizing the suffering endured by many, Odinga insists on financial and moral restitution for those affected by excessive police force during protests.
- Dismissal of Protest-Related Cases: All charges against individuals involved in protest activities must be dropped, ensuring that citizens are not criminalized for exercising their democratic rights.
- Release of Abductees and Prisoners: Immediate release of individuals who have been abducted or imprisoned in connection with the protests, addressing the concerns of many families and communities.
- Resolution of Healthcare and Education Grievances: Addressing longstanding issues in the healthcare and education sectors, including the welfare of healthcare workers and Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers, to ensure these essential services operate effectively.
- Reverting Public Healthcare Insurance to NHIF: Odinga demands a return to the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) system, discarding the recently introduced Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), which he believes is ineffective.
- Prosecution of Security Sector Perpetrators: Holding accountable those in the security sector who have committed atrocities against peaceful Kenyans, ensuring justice and preventing future abuses.
Odinga emphasized that once these conditions are met, the focus can shift to a National Conversation conducted transparently in a neutral venue. He proposed that representatives for this convention should include diverse sectors such as youth, government, religious leaders, healthcare professionals, lawyers, and teachers, to ensure a holistic and inclusive dialogue.
Broader Agenda for the National Dialogue
Beyond the immediate preconditions, Odinga highlighted several national and constitutional matters that need to be addressed during the dialogue. These include:
- Good Governance: Ensuring that the government operates transparently, efficiently, and in the best interest of its citizens.
- Skyrocketing Cost of Living: Implementing measures to manage and reduce the high cost of living that is burdening many Kenyans.
- Eradicating Tribalism: Promoting unity and cohesion among the diverse ethnic groups in Kenya, tackling the deep-rooted issue of tribalism.
- Fighting Corruption: Strengthening anti-corruption measures to ensure accountability and integrity in both public and private sectors.
- Debt and Fiscal Management: Addressing the country’s debt situation and implementing sound fiscal policies to ensure economic stability and growth.
Uncertainty Ahead
The national dialogue proposed by President Ruto, originally slated to commence on July 15, now faces significant uncertainty. Odinga’s conditions reflect a critical perspective that justice and accountability must be the foundation of any meaningful conversation about the country’s future. As Kenyans await the government’s response, the path forward remains uncertain, but the call for justice and comprehensive reform is clear.
