Africa-Press – Kenya. Former Chief Justice David Maraga, who has already made public his 2027 presidential bid, now says that he wants a dialogue but not the kind that was proposed by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga—an inclusive Inter-Generational National Conclave.
Speaking on Tuesday, Maraga said this dialogue must be people-driven, insisting that it is something they have asked for.
He insisted that it must also involve young people, who are the most affected by recent developments in the country.
Maraga noted that there are quotas that have already approached him for the same, and he will participate in the dialogue not as a presidential candidate but as a leader and former Chief Justice.
“If there’s going to be any dialogue, it should be people-driven. People are expressing concerns and saying we should have dialogue. What can only help is a people-driven dialogue that will involve the youths who have suffered most and maybe a voice from that group.
“There are groups already thinking about that, I have myself requested and talked to some people we come together and think about what we should do in my capacity as a leader and former Chief Justice, not as a presidential candidate. We put our heads together and see what we can do for the good of this country. That talk is going to be like a stopgapmeasure,” he said.
The CJ Emeritus stated that there have been dialogues before but they have hardly addressed the root cause of problems in the country.
He pointed out the Kofi Annan-led mediation of 2008 following the post-election violence that came up with various recommendations but only very few were complied with.
Maraga also rubbished the Inter-Generational National Conclave call by Raila, describing it as a government-initiated approach that will not help solve anything.
He said it will only create positions for selfish leaders.
“The government has come up with a conclave. I don’t think it’s going to resolve any problems, it’s going to get positions for people and will not address the root cause of the problems. So, to say that you are going to discuss the affairs of the youth by the government now setting the agenda, that’s a joke.”
His remarks point to the working relationship between the former Prime Minister and President William Ruto, under the broad based government.
After the chaos witnessed on Saba Saba Day, Raila in a press briefing held at Serena Hotel, made a raft of proposals to the government to put an end to youth-led protests that have rocked the country and enhance service delivery in the country.
He proposed an inclusive Inter-Generational National Conclave to hear Kenyans across all divide and come up with reforms and changes necessary to take the country forward.
He said he wanted a conclave he envisages to come up with better and sustainable ways for addressing transparency, accountability, and impunity in regard to corruption to ensure leaders are held accountable for their actions.
“I propose that the forum come up with a comprehensive and sustainable strategy for addressing youth unemployment and the expansion of opportunities for youths in the formal and informal sectors,” he said.
Raila added that the national conclave must have clear terms of reference to be populated and held by serious and sober minds of the nation.
“The proceeds of the national dialogue will be subjected to a referendum,” he added.
He has proposed that the country urgently turns to the agenda of comprehensive police reforms to enhance accountability, transparency and improve the police-to-people relationships.
“The police service must be reformed to become a people’s defender, servant,” he said.
The former prime minister said that Kenyans are yearning for programmes and leaders that prioritises economic inclusivity, social justice and political freedom.
He said Kenyans want legislations that make institutions more responsive, programmes that ensure adequate funding for services that touch them, changes that are the judiciary free, efficient and progressive measures that make executive more accountable and efficient.
“We must end impunity and corruption within our three arms of government, our leaders must become modest, ethical, humble and accountable,” he said.
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