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Raila proposes four-point plan to address youth discontent and corruption

Raila proposes four-point plan to address youth discontent and corruption
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in the company of other ODM leaders addressing the media at Serena Hotel, Nairobi on July 7, 2025. PHOTO/HANDOUT
In Summary

He proposed the creation of an inclusive Inter-Generational National Conclave, bringing together voices from all segments of society to push for reforms that can unite the country and promote stability.

Opposition leader Raila Odinga has proposed a national intergenerational dialogue as part of sweeping reforms aimed at ending ongoing youth-led protests and restoring public trust in governance.

Speaking during a media address in Nairobi on Monday to mark the 35th Saba Saba Day, Raila outlined a four-point agenda, calling for police reforms, a national conclave for dialogue, renewed accountability in governance, and urgent strategies to tackle youth unemployment.

He said many Kenyans, especially the youth, are demanding a government that prioritises economic inclusion, social justice and political freedom. According to him, citizens want institutions that are more responsive and leadership that is humble, ethical and accountable.

“We must end impunity and corruption within our three arms of government, our leaders must become modest, ethical, humble and accountable,” Raila said.

He proposed the creation of an inclusive Inter-Generational National Conclave, bringing together voices from all segments of society to push for reforms that can unite the country and promote stability.

The forum, he added, should be populated by sober, serious minds and guided by clear terms of reference.

“I propose an inclusive intergenerational national conclave that hears our people on all divides to come up with unreducible reforms and changes to take the country forward,” he said.

Raila also called for immediate and comprehensive reforms within the police service, citing a deteriorating relationship between law enforcers and the public, particularly during recent protests.

“I propose that the country urgently turns to the agenda of comprehensive police reforms focused on transparency, accountability and improving the police-to-people relationship. The police service must be reformed to become a people's defender, servant,” he said.

The ODM leader further noted that the proposed national conclave should develop better ways of dealing with corruption and holding leaders accountable for their actions.

“The conclave should come up with better ways of addressing transparency and impunity with regard to corruption to ensure that leaders are held accountable for their actions,” he stated.

He added that the outcomes of the dialogue should not be shelved but subjected to a national referendum.

“The proceeds of the national dialogue be subjected to a referendum,” Raila said.

The opposition figure also stressed the need for deliberate action to address youth unemployment and create opportunities in both the formal and informal sectors.

“I propose that the forum come up with a comprehensive and sustainable strategy to address youth unemployment and expansion of opportunities for the youth in the formal and informal sector,” he said.

While reflecting on the historic Saba Saba movement which ushered in multiparty democracy, Raila said the country is once again at a crossroads.

“The question we have to ask ourselves is where do we go from here, do we embrace chaos or a coming together of minds and the country? As a living architect of the events leading to Saba Saba, I choose a coming together of minds and the country in the interest of the country I long fought for its progress, stability and prosperity,” he said.

He added that the ongoing protests signal a deeper struggle for good governance, equity and economic opportunity.

“The biggest challenge facing Kenya today and to the perceived future, is how to expand economic opportunity and lift young Kenyans out of poverty, exclusion and unemployment,” he added.

Raila had earlier announced that he would attend the commemorative rally at Kamkunji grounds but cited blocked roads and a heavy police presence in the city as reasons he opted to speak from the Serena Hotel instead.

“Yesterday I did an interview saying I would be in Kamkunji for the Saba Saba Day. Unfortunately, the circumstances with the roads blocked, I decided to talk to the media here in Serena,” he said.

During his speech, he had to pause multiple times as loud gunshots rang out outside the hotel, where running battles between police and protesters were unfolding. By mid-day, reports indicated that at least four people had been shot by police as officers clashed with demonstrators in parts of Nairobi.

Raila, without naming names, criticised individuals who he said were part of past regimes that suppressed the same democratic freedoms they now pretend to defend.

"It is quite unfortunate that some of the people we were fighting then and who sanctioned those arrests are trying to hide behind Saba Saba to advance their political fortunes. Some of them are alive today and are masquerading as liberators," he said.

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