Call for accountability tops discussions at People Dialogue Festival at Uhuru Park

Participants at this year’s People Dialogue Festival (PDF) have called for greater accountability in strengthening the country’s democracy.

PDF, an open forum for dialogue among Kenyans, is a flagship initiative of the Centre for Multiparty Democracy (CMD-Kenya).

It serves as a platform for inclusive dialogue and transformative engagement in Kenya.

CMD Chairperson and former Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi alleged that the country is witnessing what he termed as the resurgence of an imperial presidency.

“In the past, the presidency was such a dominant institution in the minds of Kenyans that it suffocated all other governance institutions. We are seeing this trend return. It is time for us to recognise this and protect the democratic space we have, ensuring we continue moving forward,” Murungi said at the forum held at Uhuru Park on Wednesday.

He commended young people for their active engagement in national affairs but cautioned against their claim of being "leaderless" and "partyless," warning that such a stance could encourage anarchy.

Murungi also criticised the existing legal framework for being discriminatory against youth seeking to form political parties, citing strict regulations and financial requirements.

“How can young people raise Sh120,000 to open 24 offices across different counties? These barriers make political participation inaccessible to many,” he stated.

“We have cried, we have lamented, and at times even thrown tantrums, but that is not enough. The time has come for us to light a candle, bring hope, and offer practical, concrete solutions to advance democracy in this country.”

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, however, disagreed with Murungi’s view on youth participation, arguing that young people do not need to be part of organised political parties to contribute to governance.

“The slogans ‘partyless’ or ‘leaderless’ are not wrong. When the youth took to the streets, they were not fighting for power but demanding accountability across the political spectrum,” Omtatah said.

Deputy British High Commissioner Ed Barnett emphasised the need for political parties to foster democracy.

“We must all seek the right balance—political parties that nurture and contribute to a democracy that listens, serves, and includes,” Barnett stated during the forum.

Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo urged Kenyans to hold state institutions accountable to strengthen transparency and good governance.

“We need to go back to asking tough questions of independent institutions. How is the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) clearing individuals who have been arrested and jailed?” she questioned.

The PDF is an annual event that brings together leaders, citizens, government institutions, civil society organisations, and private sector stakeholders.

Its goal is to address pressing societal challenges, promote meaningful citizen engagement, and co-create solutions for Kenya’s sustainable development.

The inaugural PDF was held in March 2019, followed by annual editions in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.

The 7th edition, themed "Building a Collaborative Democracy for Kenya’s Sustainable Future," is taking place from March 5 to 8, 2025, at Uhuru Park, Nairobi.