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The Nairobian

Jeremiah Kioni: Talks between Ruto and Raila a waste of time

Politics

By David Njaaga | Jul 15, 2024

**Jubilee Party Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni.** [Samson Wire, Standard]

Jubilee Party has opposed the proposed national dialogue between President William Ruto and Azimio leader Raila Odinga.

During a Spice FM interview on Monday, July 15, the party Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni described the dialogue as unnecessary.

"Dialogue is not bad but is not useful for us as a country today. It is not going to work," said Kioni.

He argued that the 2010 Constitution, established through dialogue, does not require another round of talks to address current crises.

Kioni questioned who would participate in these talks, asking, “Who are we dialoguing with? Who is sitting on the other side of the dialogue?”

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He suggested that younger generations, or Gen Z, have moved beyond traditional dialogue and should lead the way in addressing current issues.

“Gen Zs know what they want and where they are going, and no one should come in their way,” he added.

Kioni also criticised the process for appointing new Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioners, alleging it is designed to favour the Executive and influence the outcome of the 2027 General Election.

“We have now agreed on the way we need to pick commissioners, but we still have not agreed on the panel,” he said, calling for greater transparency and involvement from the younger generation.

Kioni’s statement comes as the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition plans for a meeting today (July 15) to discuss the dialogue proposed by President Ruto.

This follows a failed attempt at consensus during a meeting on July 13.

The national dialogue, under the proposed National Multi-Sectoral Forum, aims to address national issues and engage various sectors in discussions.

The meeting is slated for six days involving at least 150 multi-sectoral stakeholders.