Garissa — Elders from Garissa have thrown their support behind Raila Odinga’s call for national dialogue, urging the country’s leadership to address public frustration through honest engagement instead of confrontation.
Speaking at a press briefing held at a Garissa hotel on Friday, Kenya Livestock Marketing Council Chairperson Dubat Amey led the call for unity and a peaceful resolution to growing unrest across the country.
“We are alarmed by what is happening. We have never seen this kind of turmoil, not even during the fight for multiparty democracy,” Amey said. “Kenyans are crying out. These grievances must not only be heard—they must be acted on.”
Amey endorsed Odinga’s proposal for a national forum to address key challenges, saying dialogue offers a path to healing and reform. “We support Raila Odinga’s call for national dialogue. It will give leaders space to listen, reflect, and act without resorting to violence or division,” he added.
Abdihamid Sheikh, another elder at the event, warned that the recent wave of protests is threatening Kenya’s development. He urged politicians to take responsibility for the current unrest and reduce inflammatory statements.
“We ask all leaders, whether in politics, religion, or civil society, to step away from blame and come together for the good of the nation,” Sheikh said. “Only dialogue can bring lasting solutions.”
The elders called on citizens to remain patient with the current administration, stressing that progress takes time and peace is vital for meaningful development.
The elders’ remarks follow Odinga’s speech during the 35th anniversary of the Saba Saba protests, where he called for a national conclave to chart Kenya’s way forward through civic participation and reform.
In his statement, Odinga outlined four main goals for the dialogue: launching a nationwide consultation forum, addressing police conduct, strengthening anti-corruption efforts, and expanding economic opportunities for youth.
He emphasized that only “serious and sober minds” should guide the process, calling for inclusive leadership that places public interest above politics.
As tension continues to mount across parts of the country, the call from Garissa’s elders adds to growing voices pushing for structured talks to avoid further chaos and to restore public confidence in national institutions.
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