Nairobi, Kenya – Bunge La Mwananchi, a prominent social justice movement in Kenya, has formally appealed to President William Ruto to initiate a structured National Dialogue aimed at ending the deadly anti-government protests that have rocked the country since June 2024.
Devastating Impact of Gen Z Protests Highlighted
In a letter signed by Maurice Masiga, the Deputy President of Bunge La Mwananchi (BLM) Kenya, the movement highlighted the devastating impact of the Gen Z protests, which have led to the loss of lives, destruction of property, and disruption of Kenya’s development trajectory. BLM emphasized the urgent need for the immediate cessation of these protests and the commencement of a structured National Dialogue.
“These protests have unfortunately resulted in the loss of lives, destruction of property, and disruption of our nation’s progress,” Masiga stated. “It is time for an immediate cessation of the ongoing Gen Z protests and the beginning of a structured National Dialogue.”
Call for Unity and Reconciliation Through Dialogue
BLM, which has been a vocal advocate for the rights and well-being of all Kenyans for over twenty years, sees this dialogue as an opportunity for all stakeholders to come together. According to the letter, the dialogue, as enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya, presents a chance to identify the root causes of the national challenges, propose sustainable solutions, and foster unity and reconciliation.
“As an organization dedicated to advocating for the rights and well-being of all Kenyans, Bunge La Mwananchi has opposed your government’s handling of issues such as corruption and impunity, which continue to undermine our country’s progress and prosperity. These challenges have fueled discontent among the youth, leading to protests. We call on you to convene a national dialogue to help us find a lasting solution,” Masiga urged.
Nationwide Grassroots Dialogues Proposed
The movement has called on its members nationwide to exercise their sovereign right by supporting the call for dialogue proposed by President Ruto. BLM has proposed that all 47 County branches initiate urgent plans for grassroots dialogues to address issues of utmost concern to Kenyans at the national, county, and grassroots levels.
Masiga further outlined that once these county-level dialogues are completed, each county will select two male and two female representatives to convene at the Bunge La Mwananchi Dialogue Assembly. This assembly will provide a platform for these representatives to engage with national leaders to deliberate on key national issues and chart a collective way forward.
“We believe that through sincere and inclusive dialogue, we can mitigate current tensions, restore peace, and collectively work towards a prosperous and harmonious Kenya. BLM is committed to actively participating in this dialogue process and contributing constructively to nation-building efforts,” the letter continued.
Bunge La Mwananchi’s Commitment to Social Justice
Founded in the early 1990s as a social movement during a one-party state, Bunge La Mwananchi has consistently aimed to keep the ruling government in check. The call for a National Dialogue underscores the movement’s ongoing commitment to social justice and the well-being of all Kenyans.
Bunge La Mwananchi’s appeal for national dialogue is critical as Kenya seeks sustainable solutions to its pressing socio-political challenges. The proposed dialogue aims to foster unity, address the root causes of discontent, and pave the way for all Kenyans’ peaceful and prosperous future.
