Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has once again dismissed ODM leader Raila Odinga’s renewed call for an intergenerational national dialogue, calling it “hypocritical” and out of touch with the real issues facing Kenyans today.
Speaking on Thursday, July 17, 2025, during the commissioning of the Maria Salus Infirmorum Health Facility in Kiongwani, Kilome Constituency, Makueni County, Kalonzo said Kenyans—especially the youth—are not interested in more talks. Instead, he urged both President William Ruto and Raila to focus on implementing real solutions to the grievances raised by the Gen Z-led protests.
“My friend Raila amesema tufanye inter-generational dialogue. Hawa watoto do not want dialogue. They want university education and proper funding; they want access to higher learning, and those in lower levels want free primary education,” Kalonzo said.
‘We Want Justice, Not Dialogue’
Kalonzo, a key opposition figure and member of the Azimio coalition alongside Raila, distanced himself from Odinga’s proposal, stating that Kenyans are still mourning the deaths of protesters and want justice—not forums.
“Kenyans are mourning. We cannot take it. We just want no dialogue with Ruto. Hatutaki mazungumzo, tunataka haki chini ya katiba,” he said, drawing applause from residents.
He also criticised President Ruto’s recent directive to police officers to “shoot at the leg” of protesters, terming the remarks dictatorial and dangerous.
“Ruto amesema ‘enough is enough’ na akasema watoto wapigwe risasi kwa miguu. Hakuna rais mwingine, even the worst dictator, who has made such a proclamation,” Kalonzo stated.
His remarks come amid continued nationwide outrage over the handling of the Gen Z protests that peaked on June 25, 2025, with over 40 confirmed deaths, hundreds injured, and widespread reports of police brutality.
Raila Odinga’s Dialogue Push
Kalonzo’s criticism directly counters Raila Odinga’s July 7 appeal for a national intergenerational dialogue. The ODM leader had proposed an inclusive national conclave involving youth voices, with the outcomes to be subjected to a referendum.
“I propose an inclusive intergenerational national conclave to hear our people across all divides and come up with the irreducible reforms and changes necessary to take the country forward,” Raila said.
Odinga emphasized the need for comprehensive police reforms, transparency, and stronger people-to-police relations. However, his tone and approach have drawn criticism from younger Kenyans who see his response as insufficient and too aligned with state processes.
Youth Demands Growing Louder
Kalonzo’s remarks underscore a growing rift within the opposition on how to respond to the Gen Z movement. Many young Kenyans continue to reject traditional political overtures and insist on accountability for deaths, economic reform, and educational funding—not political handshakes or elite conferences.
While Raila has been a long-standing opposition figure, Gen Z activists have dismissed both government and opposition leaders, saying their demands have been ignored for too long. Kalonzo appears to be aligning himself with that sentiment by taking a firm stance against dialogue and insisting on constitutional justice instead.
As Kenya continues to reckon with the fallout of the protests and calls for police accountability, Kalonzo’s rejection of Raila’s proposal signals deepening fault lines within opposition ranks—and a shift in political messaging to resonate with a new generation of increasingly vocal and mobilised youth.
