Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has proposed the formation of an inclusive intergenerational national conclave to chart a new course for the country, calling for urgent reforms to restore public trust in government institutions.
Speaking in Nairobi, Odinga singled out the police service as a key area for immediate overhaul, describing it as a rogue force that has inherited colonial-era brutality. “We must urgently turn to the agenda of comprehensive police reform and accountability to improve the people-police relationship. “We have a rogue police force that shoots people, this is a force we inherited from the colonial masters. It must be reformed. ” he said.
The ODM Party Leader also called for the conclave to propose sustainable ways of addressing transparency, accountability and impunity especially with regard to corruption and ensure that leaders are held accountable for their actions.
On youth empowerment, Odinga proposed a comprehensive strategy to tackle unemployment and expand economic opportunities in both the formal and informal sectors. “Our young people are suffering. We must create opportunities that give them dignity and hope,” he said.
Odinga further proposed that any resolutions from the dialogue be subjected to a national referendum, allowing Kenyans to directly decide on the country’s future direction.
