Karua throws shade at Raila’s calls for dialogue to end generational tensions
Opposition politician Martha Karua has distanced herself from the calls by ODM Party leader Raila Odinga for a national dialogue to end the tensions in the country.
Speaking during a live TV interview on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, Karua said that the only dialogue needed will be between Kenyans, human rights groups, politicians and the Kenyans of goodwill, to chart a way forward.
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“I don’t think that we are together on that one (the dialogue). There is the broad-based or blood-based government on one side, and the people of Kenya on the other side,” Karua remarked.
Various stakeholders
“Kenyans of goodwill have to come together and chart a way forward. We should sit together as religious leaders, political leaders, human rights defenders and Kenyans of goodwill to seek solutions to our problems.”
“I am talking about the people of Kenya, not the broad-based government that is soaked in the blood of Kenyans. You cannot dialogue with somebody who has put a foot on your throat,” she added.
The firebrand politician noted that Kenyans could not dialogue with an oppressor with a foot on their throats.
The remarks come just a day after Raila, during a press conference on Monday, July 7, 2025, stated that the country should embark on broad dialogue christened ‘intergenerational conclave’, whose proposals would be subjected to a referendum.
Inter-generational conclave
“I propose an inclusive intergenerational national conclave to hear our people across all divides and come up with the irreducible reforms and changes necessary to take the country forward. I propose that the country urgently return to the agenda of comprehensive police reforms, focusing on enhancing accountability, transparency and improving police-to-people relations.” Raila said.
“I want the outcomes of the national dialogue to be subjected to a referendum,” he added.
In his address, Raila also emphasised the need to address corruption and impunity through mechanisms that ensure leaders are held accountable. According to the proposals, the conclave should develop sustainable approaches to strengthen systems of transparency and ensure that those in positions of power are not above the law.
