“Baba Did Not Claim to Represent Genz” -Sifuna Defends Raila’s Backing for Ruto’s Dialogue
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has defended Raila Odinga’s meeting with President William Ruto and his subsequent endorsement of a dialogue forum amid online criticism of the former Prime Minister’s support for the government-initiated dialogue.
Sifuna clarified that Raila, known as Baba in political circles, did not represent the protesting Gen Zs in his meeting with the President.
Instead, he asserted that Raila spoke on behalf of Azimio la Umoja and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), the party he leads.
“Baba did not claim to represent Gen Z, who expressed they are leaderless and do not view him as their leader,” Sifuna explained in an interview with The Standard.
“However, he leads a party with its structure. Not everyone is without leadership or political affiliation; I, for instance, am the secretary general of a party.”
Sifuna defended Raila’s decision to engage in dialogue with the government, highlighting that the opposition leader had been excluded from a recent meeting between Ruto and youth representatives.
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“We have a stake in the country and cannot remain silent as events unfold. Our stance is against tyranny,” he emphasized.
Addressing public dissatisfaction with their decision to engage in dialogue, Ruto and Raila jointly announced the formation of a multi-sectoral forum to address grievances raised by protesters over three weeks.
Ruto detailed plans for a six-day forum where participants would cover their expenses, aiming to find solutions to national challenges including the high cost of living.
Raila, joined by Hassan Joho and Kalonzo Musyoka, supported the committee’s formation, affirming that critical issues such as the cost of living would be central to discussions.
“We have engaged in consultations and agreed that dialogue is the best way forward to resolve the country’s crisis,” he stated.
However, Raila Odinga Jr distanced himself from the decision, urging Kenyans to recognize individual perspectives despite shared family names.
“Baba Did Not Claim to Represent Genz” -Sifuna Defends Raila’s Backing for Ruto’s Dialogue
