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NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS

The Nairobian

Clerics urge State to dialogue with youth, settle their grievances

Rift Valley

By Peter Ochieng and Martin Ndiema | Aug 10, 2024

**Bishop Dominic Kimengich of Eldoret Diocese {centre) accompanied other church leaders speak to the press at past function.** [Peter Ochieng, Standard]

Religious leaders in Uasin Gishu County have asked the government to listen to the youth, saying their concerns were genuine.

The clerics cautioned that while the demonstrations may have subsided, the underlying issues have remained unresolved.

Speaking separately, the Catholic and Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) bishops in Uasin Gishu also appealed to the civil society not to stop advocating for the poor, whose wealth they claimed is being enjoyed by the rich.

Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Eldoret Dominic Kimengich, while praising the local youth for shunning Nane Nane protests, cautioned that this sho uld not be taken for granted.

“Let us not assume that things are normal after the youth stayed away from the streets. The youths have demonstrated to you that they were agitating for good leadership,” he said.

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“Now that you have appointed leaders in your government from all regions, show the country that we have true face of Kenya by offering services to all Kenyans without discrimination,” he added.

He said President William Ruto should have held talks with the church and civil society in the process of forming his broad-based Cabinet.

Bishop Christopher Ruto of ACK Diocese of Eldoret thanked the Gen Zs for fighting for the weak. He also urged the Judiciary to remain firm in administering justice to Kenyans.

“The Gen Zs have made us learn so many things. They have brought out a true picture of the consciousness of the nation. It is good to hold everyone accountable including those holding top positions in government,” the cleric said.

And in Trans Nzoia, the leaders said failure to address the demands could lead to more unrest.

Bishop Benjamin Some of PEFA Church in the North Rift said the challenges highlighted by the youth agitating for reforms were genuine.

“The government should not make the mistake of thinking that the protests have ended. The youth are still dissatisfied, and their issues must be addressed comprehensively,” Bishop Some stated.

The demonstrations, which have occasionally turned violent, reflect deep-seated discontent among the youth, who feel marginalised in the country’s political and economic landscape.

“The government must take proactive steps to address the demands of Gen Z and safeguard the country’s democratic institutions. Failure to do so could result in renewed unrest and a weakening of the democratic framework that Kenya has worked so hard to build,” said Some. He said the government’s response to the protests will determine whether peace will prevail or the country will witness more street protests.

“If the demands of Gen Z are ignored, we may see these protests return with even greater force,” he warned.

He called on the government to engage directly with the youth to understand their concerns and to find ways to integrate their voices into the policy-making.