Gen Z demands take centre stage as senators debate national crisis after protests
Senators on Wednesday debated the state of the nation following weeks of deadly protests that have left at least 39 people dead, scores injured and properties of unknown value destroyed.
In a motion moved by Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, the senators rallied behind the protestors, saying they share the concerns raised by the youth, especially the Gen Z.
The issues include corruption, impunity, incompetence within the state and public appointments, opulent lifestyles of public officers, unemployment and high cost of living amongst other issues bedevilling the economy.
In his communication to the House, Speaker Amason Kingi said it is time the Senate confronted the realities facing the country as a House and leadership as it is “the only House that goes to the grassroots”.
“We have lost Kenyans and as a House, we need to reflect on these happenings. It is a moment as leaders we need to do a lot of soul searching. The many issues that have been raised by those who have been protesting cannot be wished away,” said Mr Kingi.
“Nobody is better placed to address the issues other than the leadership and more particularly the Senate. We have to confront the realities as a house and leadership. If there is a day this country yearns for leadership, it is today,” he added.
While moving the motion, Senator Cheruiyot said the ongoing protests are an indictment of the leadership in the country.
In an emotional and heart-to-heart reflection, he said the country is in a tough place that not many countries have ever gotten to and come back from, adding that the situation calls for introspection and a rethink.
“We are deeply embarrassed that it has taken our children to point out to us that we are naked as a leadership. We are in extraordinary times and the ordinary solutions we have proposed in the past cannot work this time. Unless we are genuine, honest and we mean it, let us not begin this conversation on this floor,” said the Kericho senator.
He argued that the motion is just the beginning of guiding the country to the solutions aimed at redeeming and winning back “our country”.
The lawmaker agreed with the issues raised by the protesting youth, saying Kenya is a rigged economy where those in close proximity to power and the advantages are able to enjoy living in the country at the expense of other millions of Kenyans.
“Where the country has reached, it needs a complete overhaul. I am afraid that not the usual glue and gum that we always put on leaking areas will solve this this time. If it is a pipe, it is time to decommission it and put up a new pipe,” he said.
Seconding the motion, Senate Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo said the protests have been necessitated by the controversial finance bill, which has since been dropped by President William Ruto.
“When taxes are too much, then people will go to the streets. As leaders, we must lead by example. Things are not working well and people are suffering. The sudden opulence by leaders close to power is troubling. This is what Gen Z is now against. We are ready as the Senate to meet with Gen Z,” said the Kilifi senator.
In their collective call for action, the senators want all government ministries, departments and agencies, and constitutional commissions, including Parliament, to put in place austerity measures while undertaking their respective functions.
They also want the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission and other government multi sector agencies in the governance, justice, law and order sector to upscale and make concerted efforts to fight corruption.
For the National Police Service, they need the entity to cease abductions, unlawful arrests, extra judicial killings and exercise restraint in dealing with peaceful and unarmed demonstrators;
Further, they are demanding the release of all persons arrested for planning and participating in peaceful demonstrations.
They also want the government to waive hospital bills for persons who have been injured and defray funeral expenses for those who lost their lives, during the demonstrations.
For the Judiciary, the senators want the Chief Justice Martha Koome-led arm of government to prioritise and expedite all court cases relating to the demonstrations.
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