Nyutu backs Raila’s call for intergenerational conclave
Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu has thrown his weight behind Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga’s call for an intergenerational national dialogue, but with a strong caveat that young people must form the majority at the table.
Speaking during an interview on a local TV station on Thursday, July 10, 2025, Nyutu described the proposal as a welcome idea, especially for younger leaders. However, he argued that any meaningful conclave must prioritise youth representation.
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“On that table, over 50 per cent of the participants should be young people.”
The senator justified this by pointing out that the youth hold the greatest stake in the country’s future.
“Why should they be young people? Because young people have more shares. They have more shares in this country because they have lived longer to live than the rest of us who were born earlier,” he said.
Nyutu also highlighted the growing socio-economic challenges faced by the youth compared to previous generations.
“Those of us who were born earlier had opportunities. I did not struggle much to be employed as a Teacher Service Commission graduate teacher, but a youth graduating today with a Bachelor of Engineering degree will struggle to get employment.”
He emphasised that youth voices must be central, saying, “They have more stake. Shares were just a stake.”
According to him, the design of the conclave should allow youth to dominate decisions: “Youth should be more, actually more than 50 per cent, so that if a vote has to be taken, the youth would carry the day.”
Nyutu also proposed that professionals, business leaders, and civil society voices be included in the forum.
“There should be business people in that particular conclave… politicians should not be there in the minimum,” he said, expressing concern that past dialogues have “ended up benefiting politicians,” he said.
Raila on conclave
Odinga is advocating for an inclusive, intergenerational national dialogue to help Kenya navigate its challenges and establish a peaceful and sustainable future amid rising unrest and political agitation.
Addressing the press during the 35th commemoration of Saba Saba, the leader of the ODM proposed a national conclave that would unite voices from across various divides to craft necessary reforms aimed at strengthening the country’s governance.
According to him, the outcomes of this dialogue should be subjected to a national referendum, allowing all Kenyans to have a say in their nation’s future.
“I propose an inclusive intergenerational national conclave to hear our people across all divides and come up with irreducible reforms and changes necessary to take the country forward,” Raila stated.
He reiterated that the proposed dialogue must be guided by clear terms of reference and should include serious and sober minds committed to the national interest.
