Most leaders are tone-deaf to Gen Z demands, says Martha Karua

Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua has criticised the older generation for taking over the Gen-Z movement, which has been leading recent countrywide protests.

Speaking on Spice FM on Tuesday, July 23, Karua emphasised the importance of youth leadership in national affairs, highlighting their demands for accountability, good governance, and proper implementation of laws.

The Azimio-co principal recalled that last year during anti-government protests by Azimio la Umoja, the government invited the coalition for dialogue, which yielded no real benefits for Kenyans.

“We were called to dialogue, some of us reluctantly; dialogue happened, we were arm-twisted, and we ended up getting nothing for the people,” she said.

She mentioned that the only result was the formation of a new Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), which was not the main issue of their protests.

“We never went to the streets because of the IEBC. The crisis was generated solely by [President William Ruto, who sacked four commissioners because they said no to the tally that made him President. Criminalising dissent is unacceptable,” added Karua.

Karua also noted that the opposition's inability to resist pressure makes it unfit for further dialogue.

“The president would rather deal with politicians he can arm-twist. The Gen-Z are faceless, leaderless; he does not know who to call. Most leaders are tone-deaf to what the Gen Zs are saying. They think they can get away in a slippery manner,” she added.

The Azimio la Umoja coalition has been divided on proposed talks with President William Ruto. However, opposition leader Raila Odinga recently stated that justice must come first before any talks and supported some of the demands that Gen Z has been advancing.

Some of the grievances he mentioned include the release of all abductees and those in jail, resolution of outstanding healthcare and education grievances, reverting public healthcare insurance back to the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), and discarding the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).

On Tuesday the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) denied involvement in political negotiations with Kenya Kwanza, stating that members planning to join President Ruto’s new cabinet are not sanctioned by the Party.