MCAs urge Gen Z to have patience in push for talks

Vihiga MCAs dance to music at Kapsotik Grounds during the launch of ward bursaries and school feeding programme in Banja Ward public primary schools. They called for tolerance as the country heads towards dialogue over Gen Z demonstrations. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard]

Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) from Vihiga County have urged Gen Z to temper their demands, emphasising the importance of patience now that President William Ruto has expressed openness to a national dialogue.

Speaking at Kapsotik Grounds in Hamisi Constituency during the launch of primary school feeding programme and release of bursaries to 40 high school students from Banja Ward, the 10 ward reps shared their optimism about the potential for a youth-filled leadership in 2027 polls.

"I am also a youthful MCA and I have hope for a better country and even holding a bigger office so that I make the change we all want like all of you (Gen Z) but this comes with a sense of tolerance. I pray that we give chance to the president now that he has shown us that he is listening to us and even refused to assent to the Finance Bill 2024 that you did not want," said Banja MCA Collins Anyanje Ayugu.

Ayugu emphasised the importance of an extensive, fair, and open dialogue that includes every segment of society.

Ayugu who was accompanied by MCAs Joyce Ayodi (Nominated), Gladys Yalwala (Chavakali), Abdiku Nguruma (Kichutu Ward), Florence Kegide (Busali Ward), Helam Esipira (Nominated), Boni Chenga (Muhudu), Ajega Miheso (Nominated), Venna Kaisha (Nominated) and Rita Atieno (Nominated) also called on Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to restrain himself.

They criticised Gachagua following the controversial press briefing he held two weeks ago immediately after President Ruto addressed the nation.

The MCAs accused the DP of exposing the nation, the presidency and the country's security agencies to ridicule, ethnic division and potential exploitation.

Ayugu stated that Gachagua's scathing remarks only served to fuel confusion and public anger, especially at a time when the young generation has lost faith in the country's leadership.

"The Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has chosen to malign and demean the president in public. That should cease going forward so that the spirit of national unity prevails," Ayugu said.

During his press briefing, Gachagua criticised the National Intelligence Service for allegedly failing to brief President Ruto in a timely manner about the planned Gen Z demonstrations.

MCAs Atieno and Yalwala urged the bursary recipients to excel in their studies, emphasising that education is the greatest equalizer.

"Parents must also ensure that their children, especially those in exam classes, attend school regularly now that lunch will be provided through the school feeding programme," said Ms Atieno.

CEO of Mercy Mission Foundation Mercy Nashipai also attended the meeting and donated sanitary towels to underprivileged schoolgirls in Banja Ward.