National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi has called for an urgent and comprehensive national conversation to address concerns by Kenyans.
Wandayi noted that the government must move with speed to address the issues being raised by the young Kenyans.
He said anybody hoping that this uprising will fizzle out on its own could be daydreaming.
"The time is ripe for Kenyans to engage in a national conversation. Because as you can see these demonstrations are happening organically, they are happening spontaneously across the country, there is a likelihood that in the coming days, they will come more and more pronounced," he said.
The MP noted that the national dialogue that happened in Bomas had a very limited scope, but now given what is happening currently, the emerging scenario calls for a more comprehensive, inclusive, and elaborate national conversation.
He highlighted that it was important for the leadership or representatives of these young Kenyans involved in this conversation and bring it to the table.
Wandayi pointed out that the Finance Bill 2024 was a catalyst for the current protests, but stressed that the underlying issues run much deeper.
"I think the Finance Bill 2024, was just a trigger, there are clear signs of pent-up emotions and frustrations that Kenyans especially the young ones have lived with for so long," he said.
He noted that any responsible government would not wish this thing away but move with speed to deal with the root cause.
"These young Kenyans don't care. They don't have qualms sending the government home," he said.
"To avoid us reaching there, the government should take the initiative to bring us together for a meaningful national conversation".