Meru youths have called for an intergenerational national dialogue to foster peace,tranquility and stability in the country.
This follows the recent demonstrations in the country where people have been killed, property looted and destroyed.
The youth, through a lobby group dubbed Meru County Future Youth Organisation, issued a statement that was read by their Secretary General Gelard Mukaria who noted that the country is not heading in the right direction.
He said young people are also intelects and they know what should be done.
“Young people should not be spectators but must also be respected and heard. They should be meaningfully included in shaping the country’s future.Kenya stands at cross roads. The events recently from passage of 2024 finance bill to the tragic loss of innocent lives during peaceful protests have awakened a generation,” Mukaria said.
The group issued the press statement on Friday at Gatimene, North Imenti constituency.
They want a citizen-led and inclusive national dialogue that should gather views across regions, generations and social divides.
“Let people historically remember this time not for chaos but when the country paused and Kenyans listened to each other. It is time to heal and to build let not destroy what we have built together,” he said.
Mukaria said what began as outrage on the streets has now evolved into collective civic consciousness and with that a demand for accountability,dignity and lasting structural reforms.
“We stand in solidarity with the proposal for an inclusive intergenerational national conversation. This is not just a political moment, it is a generational transition. It is our moment to co-author a new Kenyan history and we support intergenerational dialogue,” Mukaria said.
He said the dialogue must have a clear framework and terms of reference for the processes and all resolutions to be subjected to a national referendum.
“We do not want any elite capture but a people process. Not a political transaction but a youth led initiative,” they said.
He said they support dialogue for several reasons;to restore trust, justice,and end youth exclusion.
“Enforced disappearances, police brutality and disregard for constitutional rights have no place in a democratic society and hence the rule of law and dignity should prevail,” Mukaria said.
His sentiments were echoed by Meru County Future Youth Organisation Chairman Kevin Mutethia who said youths should put their political affiliation aside to reason as a country and put the nation above all other interests.
“We are going to support peace in the country instead of resulting to violence destruction of property,” he said.
Mutethia said Rwanda genocide started with a little incetement remarks in the Radio leading to thousand of deaths hence the need for sober dialogue.
Nancy Mwendwa, a member of the group said even in the bible God wanted to have conversation with man.
The lobby group has members in over 47 institutions of higher learning across the country.
