- Elder Ker Odungi said the President must adhere to his oath to work for the electorate and Kenyans.
- This is moment is the President's chance to change and engage both the young and old in meaningful dialogue, he said.
Image: FAITH MATETE
The Luo Council of Elders has called on the Azimio coalition leaders to join the dialogue of forming a broad-based government to address challenges facing the country.
The elders led by their chairman Ker Odungi Randa, said the Azimio coalition leaders should drop their hardline stances and support the talks in the interest of the country.
Ker Odungi told Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa and Jubilee Party secretary general Jeremiah Kioni to come together and sit down with the head of state to find a lasting solution.
"Let's put the country first and address the issues at hand among them the concerns by Gen-Z that has sparked protests, issues of bad governance among others."
He emphasised on the importance of seizing the opportunity to listen to young people, to find grace in making genuine concessions and to steer the nation towards economic progress.
"Whether we like it or not, we have no other home other than Kenya," he said.
This is the President's chance to change and engage both the young and old in meaningful dialogue, Ker Odungi said.
"While using vigour and versatility in youth, do not overlook the wisdom of the elders," he advised.
He said the President must adhere to his oath to work for the electorate and Kenyans.
"This country called Kenya belongs to us all, but the future belongs to the youth who are our children and our grandchildren."
Ker Odungi also called on the President to order the release of arrested protesters and compensate families whose loved ones were killed in the demos.
The elders statement comes even as the Azimio Coalition on Friday, reaffirmed that it will not be part of the proposed broad-based government.
Kalonzo said being part of the proposed government of national unity will be a betrayal.
“We shall not participate in or support the proposed Kenya Kwanza-led broad-based government of national unity. This is a betrayal of the Kenyan people, particularly Gen Z and millennials, who have paid the ultimate price.
On the same day while speaking in Siaya during the burial of a man shot during the Gen Z protests within the county, Governor James Orengo criticised the idea of joining President Ruto’s administration terming it as an abomination, a disaster and something that cannot work.
Orengo called for justice for families affected by the recent protest, saying prioritising their plight is important over political manoeuvring for positions.
"It cannot happen that when we are mourning our people some are scrambling for positions. Kenyans must listen to the voices of mothers like Mama Kevin to see that justice is served."