NAIROBI — Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has rejected Raila Odinga’s call for an inter-generational conclave, calling the proposal a repeat of failed political forums that lack real impact.
Matiang’i said the country does not need another round of talks but direct, honest action to resolve the deep frustrations voiced by the youth, especially Generation Z protesters.
Speaking during a live interview, the 2027 presidential hopeful criticized Odinga’s plan, warning that Kenya is slipping into “a joke” by recycling the same dialogue tactics that have not produced results.
“We must be very careful as a people and a nation,” Matiang’i said. “The young people are not asking for meetings. They are asking for reforms. And they are serious.”
He argued that Kenya is at a defining moment and must abandon what he termed political gamesmanship for a clear and truthful engagement with the public.
“We cannot continue lying to ourselves,” he said. “Repeating what people want to hear will not fix anything. There is no future without honesty.”
Fred Matiang’i blamed poor leadership and political inaction for fueling the unrest. He also dismissed the idea of a new national dialogue forum, referencing past meetings like those held at Bomas of Kenya.
“Every Kenyan has six elected leaders, yet none have resolved these issues. So why form another forum to repeat the same promises?” he questioned.
He further warned that convening special councils or assemblies to discuss issues already voiced by citizens only creates delays.
“What the youth are asking is not complex. You don’t need a council to understand that. That’s just another distraction,” Matiang’i said.
When asked if he would consider participating in the proposed conclave if invited by President William Ruto, Matiang’i gave a firm no.
“If the President isn’t listening to the people, what would he listen to from me? There is nothing new I would tell him,” he said.
Raila Odinga recently proposed the formation of a national inter-generational conclave to address Kenya’s governance crisis and unify public voices. According to Odinga, the forum would bring together 40 representatives drawn from across Kenya’s 47 counties to guide reforms.
Fred Matiang’i’s remarks come at a time of heightened political tension, following weeks of youth-led protests demanding transparency, accountability, and structural change in public institutions.
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