Raila defends proposal for national conclave, calls for civic dialogue

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga has defended his proposal for the formation of a national conclave to chart a new path through collective civic engagement.

Speaking at the funeral service of the late Alison Sigei in Bomet on Saturday, the ODM leader dismissed those opposed to the formation of a conclave, which he said will be essential in charting a new, all-inclusive course for the country.

Odinga outlined what he said would be the ideal composition, where 40 people would be selected from across the 47 counties.

“50% must be youth, the remaining 50% people of middle age, and people of old age wawe wachache. Wakenya wote tuwe na kongamano ilo tuzungumze shida iko wapi. Hatutaki kuenda uchaguzi ya 2027 na hasira mingi," he said.

Similar sentiments were echoed by leaders allied to the government, who called on Kenyans to shun tribal politics.

Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, added, “Niliona Kioni juzi akisema yeye hataki mambo ya conclave. Wewe fanya tu yako, sisi tufanye pia yetu. Lazima watu wazungumze, mambo ya kuzungumza ndio imetufikisha mahali tumefika saa hii.”

Leaders allied to the government took a swipe at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua while cautioning other leaders, as well as Kenyans, against falling for the bait of tribal rhetoric.

“Not all of us speak the language of Wamunyoro. We want to bring all Kenyans together and that is the direction that we want to ask our people to go," said Bomet Senator Hillary Sigei.

Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok added: “We have nothing against the community of Kikuyu. Hawa ni watu tumetoka nao mbali, tumesimama nao. Kile tumekataa ni an individual mwenye anatuletea chuki kama Wakenya.”

The leaders also called for the formation of a political alliance that would ensure President William Ruto clinches the presidency for a second term.

“Vile na rais mmenaza baba, endeleeni kuingea. Ahivyo, na ikifika hapa mbele tutawafungia kwa room moja na ile mtatuambia ndio kile sisi tutafanya," said Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot.