Garissa elders back Raila’s call for dialogue, urge leaders to address public concerns

A section of elders from Garissa have thrown their weight behind ODM leader Raila Odinga’s call for national dialogue, saying the grievances being raised by Kenyans must be addressed through structured engagement.

Addressing the press at a hotel in Garissa, the elders led by Kenya Livestock Marketing Council Chairman Dubat Amey said Kenyans’ concerns deserve not just to be heard but acted upon.

“As elders from Garissa, we are deeply concerned by what is happening in our country. We have never witnessed such things before, not even during the fight for multiparty democracy. This should worry every citizen,” said Amey.

“We strongly support Raila Odinga’s call for national dialogue which we believe will offer a path to unity, healing, and constructive solutions. It will also provide a space where leaders can listen, engage, and act in the interest of the people, rather than resort to force or division,” he added.

His sentiments were echoed by Abdihamid Sheikh who cautioned that the recent protests were undermining the country’s development progress.

He stressed the need for political leaders to reduce inflammatory rhetoric and take responsibility for uniting the country.

“We will not tire from urging all leaders from across political divide, religious leaders and civil society sphere to embrace dialogue over discord, and to prioritize the collective good of the nation,” he said.

The elders said the country must rise above polarization and instead embrace reconciliation, reform, and hope urging Kenyans to be patient with the current administration and allow it time to deliver on its mandate.

Speaking during the 35th anniversary of the historic Saba Saba protests Raila proposed the establishment of what he called a national conclave to chart a new path for the country through collective civic engagement and reform.

In his address, Raila outlined four key pillars for the dialogue: deliberation through a national conclave, police reforms, a renewed fight against corruption and transparency, as well as youth empowerment and economic inclusion.

He stated that the dialogue should be led by “the most serious and sober minds in our nation.”