By Peter Ochieng
Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has urged Kenyan youth, popularly known as Gen-Z and millennials to embrace dialogue, asserting that their concerns were clearly communicated last week and this week’s anti-Finance Bill protests.
The former Senate Speaker said that youth must now tone down, and allow President William Ruto’s administration to respond to their concerns.
Speaking on Friday at Kibuk Girls in Mt. Elgon during a fundraiser for the school’s infrastructural development, Lusaka acknowledged the legitimacy of the grievances raised by Gen-Z protesters, sparked by the contentious Bill, which has since been withdrawn.
He emphasized the need for constructive conversations to effectively address issues raised by the youth, especially those touching on governance.
“While the right to protest is fundamental, open dialogue could pave the way for more effective and lasting solutions,” stated the County Chief.
The governor spoke as President William Ruto hosted Catholic Church Bishops at State House, Nairobi, where he welcomed the commitment by the Church to participate in a multi-sectoral engagement that seeks solutions to the issues affecting the country.
Earlier, the head of State met with the leadership of the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK).
They raised their concerns over the government’s deployment of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to support police, during the anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.
NCCK leadership in a statement called on the government to uphold the rule of law and respect citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and expression.
“The youth of Kenya have exercised their right to peaceful picketing as part of their participation in national life. We demand that the state stops curtailing this right by using police and military force,” the statement read in part.
On Wednesday, President Ruto announced his intention to meet with a range of sectoral leaders, including clerics and activists, to discuss national issues.
His commitment came after he declared that he would not sign the controversial Finance Bill into law.