Gen Z protests around the country have led to elders and elected leaders holding discussions with the youth to foster peace and inter-communal unity.
Several meetings have been held in Uasin Gishu constituencies, urging youth to value peace and stability while still airing their views on national economic and social issues.
The meetings follow sessions with elected leaders and peace workers in Eldoret to discuss strengthening peace.
The meeting included Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago, Soy MP David Kiplagat and his Kesses counterpart Julius Rutto.
Among the elders present was chairman of the Kalenjin Elders Council in Uasin Gishu, Alex Mursi, a representative from the Kikuyu community, George Kinyanjui and others from the Kisii, Luhya and Luo communities.
“We have resolved as elders to go out there and work for peace by talking to all our youth to desist from violence and destruction of property in the name of airing out of their views on any matter,” Mursi said.
He said the recent Gen Z protests had caused so much destruction to private and public property in Eldoret and other parts of the country, hence, the need for leaders to mobilise youth to participate in peace and unity programmes.
Mursi said since President William Ruto had accepted national dialogue after withdrawing the Finance Bill and sacked his Cabinet, he should be given time to implement the changes he has promised.
“He is our President as a country and he has clearly said he heard all grievances raised by Kenyans and therefore we all should give him time and support,” he said.
Kinyanjui asked the government to be serious about tackling challenges like corruption, which causes frustrations among Kenyans.
Mandago said they were fully supportive of initiatives by the elders to engage the youth on peace and unity.
“As elected leaders, we will also go out and talk to our youth because they have raised important issues that we cannot wish away,” he said.
Mandago said the youth were right to participate in issues involving management of their country but they must do so while keeping peace and unity.
He said the country, including Parliament, should take advantage of the technology used by youth to enhance public participation on national matters.
“The youth applied social media so effectively to mobilise themselves and that’s something we can learn from them to help expand public participation, which is a constitutional requirement,” Mandago said.