Matiang’i rejects Raila’s national ‘conclave’
Fred Matiang’i has distanced himself from the proposed national conclave, warning that such a dialogue risks becoming hollow
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has distanced himself from the proposed national conclave, warning that such a dialogue risks becoming hollow if it does not genuinely address the concerns of Kenya’s youth.
Matiang’i’s comments come at a crucial moment for the country, as public pressure mounts for reforms and accountability.
He underscores a growing divide between the government’s approach to public dissent and the expectations of an increasingly vocal and organised generation.
Speaking on Monday morning during an interview on K24 TV, Matiang’i was blunt in his assessment of the ongoing public discourse led by Gen Z, saying the younger generation has been clear and consistent in its message that the government under President William Ruto has failed to listen and fix what they describe as a growing national crisis.
“For any democratically elected government, they have to listen and robustly engage the youth,” Matiang’i stated.
He said that while national dialogue may be well-intentioned, the deeper issue lies in whether the government is sincerely willing to engage in a way that leads to change.
“The youth are saying that your government has not listened. These are not just complaints; these are cries rooted in economic hardship, systemic neglect, and exclusion,” he stated.
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The former CS pointed to the 2024 Gen Z–led protests as evidence of a growing disconnect between the administration and the younger population. The protests, which culminated in the dramatic storming of Parliament on June 25, 2024, were, in his view, preventable.
“If you were to write a manifesto out of the Gen Z uprising, you would outline several things; one is that Gen Z’s voice is not being heard,” he said, adding that such an uprising wouldn’t have happened under his leadership, citing failures in state intelligence and youth outreach.
Matiang’i was also sharply critical of the government’s follow-through after the unrest. He recalled that President Ruto had made a hopeful and conciliatory second speech shortly after the protests, promising reforms and engagement.
“The president’s second speech was hopeful, but it hasn’t happened, and we had another riot,” he said.
According to Matiang’i, this unfulfilled promise has deepened public cynicism and validated the belief among many youth that the administration is simply not listening.
During the interview, Matiang’i called on the government to avoid tokenistic gestures and instead embrace structured, inclusive dialogue.
Referring directly to the planned national conclave, he warned that unless it features authentic youth participation and a willingness to implement real reforms, it will be dismissed by the public.
“Whatever side of the political divide you are on, these issues need to be addressed. This is not about parties. It is about people,” he explained.
He urged the state not to respond to dissent with force, cautioning security forces to exercise restraint and respect the right to protest.
“Please do not turn your weapons on your fellow citizens… exercise restraint and sobriety,” Matiang’i pleaded.
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