Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka has disclosed that Raila Odinga, leader of the Azimio coalition, was compelled to change his phone number due to an overwhelming volume of messages and calls from members of Generation Z.
Speaking at an event held at the Kenya School of Government, Kalonzo revealed that the youths contacted Odinga to express their dissatisfaction with his stance on the proposed multi-sectoral talks.
“Yesterday, people went to see him on the ground, and when they visited Baba, he had to change his phone number because Generation Z had shared his number everywhere,” Kalonzo stated.
On Tuesday, after a meeting with the President, Odinga announced his intention to participate in a multi-sectoral forum aimed at addressing concerns raised by Generation Z amid nationwide anti-government protests.
“I am pleased to confirm that we have consulted and agreed that dialogue is the way forward out of the current crisis facing our country,” Odinga affirmed.
However, his decision did not sit well with the youths, who criticized him for what they perceived as a betrayal. Subsequently, Odinga reversed course, stating that he would not pursue reconciliation with President William Ruto following backlash from Kenya’s youths, particularly from Generation Z.
In a statement on his social media account, Odinga acknowledged that he had been informed by leaders, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, about the youth’s opposition to his plans for multi-sectoral talks with the President.
“I have been informed by these leaders that you do not want a reconciliation. The message has been received,” read Odinga’s post, after Generation Z criticized him on social media for consistently making deals with ruling parties during times of crisis for his personal gain.
President Ruto had earlier announced a six-day multi-sectoral convention scheduled to commence on Monday, which would include 150 participants, including 50 youths, and 100 representatives from religious institutions, civil society, professional organizations, political parties, and other stakeholders.
