Former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has called for the resignation of the Inspector General of Police (IG) Japhet Koome due to police brutality against protestors. Speaking at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) during the signing of the IEBC Bill by President William Ruto, Kalonzo urged the President to order the removal of police from the streets.
Appeal to Address Youth Concerns
“If we are not careful, all of us will be thrown out by Gen Zs because they say we have come of age. We can’t wish them away. The country is at a crossroads. In order to bring the country to normalcy, can the President order the Inspector General of Police to either retire or remove the police from the streets?” Kalonzo posed. Additionally, he requested the withdrawal of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) from the streets back to the barracks.
Calls for Inclusive Dialogue
At the same forum, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga emphasized the need for dialogue involving all stakeholders to resolve the country’s crisis. “As Kalonzo said, we are at a crossroads as a country. A time like this requires leadership for the country to move forward. If the NADCO report is implemented fully, it will solve the issues raised by these young people. We are at a very crucial juncture in the history of our country. We require a wider engagement. Let’s bring all stakeholders together,” Raila said.
Youth Engagement in Dialogue
Raila highlighted the demographic significance, stating, “Today our society is fairly stratified. 70 percent of our population is below the age of 35. If those between the ages of 18 and 35 constitute 40 percent of our population, let’s have those 40 percent in the dialogue and the rest. Let’s talk about the Kenya we want. Out of that, we’ll come up with recommendations that will help us resolve these issues once and for all.”
Deputy President’s Call for Peace
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also called on young people to give dialogue a chance. “Now that the president has accepted to have a discussion with the young people of Kenya and all leaders, we call upon the people of Kenya to give dialogue a chance. Get off the streets and stay away from the destruction of property because Kenya is greater than all of us,” Gachagua said.
