The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has backed the calls for dialogue to address what it cites as generational mistrust, unemployment and disillusionment among the youth.
Addressing a press conference a day after the Saba Saba protests, NCIC chair Samuel Kobia urged leaders to refrain from exploiting the frustrations of Gen Zs for their political gains.
“ Instead, we call on them to join efforts to mentor, guide, and empower the youth as active contributors to nation-building. It is time to turn protests into platforms for progress, and frustrations into fuel for reform,” he added.
While acknowledging the constitutional right of every Kenyan to peaceful protest, he expressed regret over the destruction of business premises, attacks on public infrastructure, and the targeting of police officers, acts he said must come to an end.
“All actors whether state or non-state must uphold the right to life, dignity, and peaceful assembly always. We urge all leaders political, religious, civic, and community-based not to incite or exploit the frustrations of young people for political gain”, he appealed even as he condemned the use of excessive force by some members of the security services.
“We say some because there are some police officers who are not trigger-happy”, he emphasised.
Additionally, the commission called on stakeholders to participate in its ongoing Transgenerational conversations, which they say offer space for discourse, collective reflection and action.
“Kenya’s meaningful healing will not come through confrontation but through genuine conversations aimed at addressing the major challenges facing the nation. As a Commission, we remain committed to facilitating these dialogues across the country and ensuring that the voices of all generations are not only heard but acted upon,” he said.
NCIC, last year in September launched the Transgenerational Conversations dubbed The Quest for Better Governance and Accountability, bringing together voices from four generations.
“The Commission believes that every generation has a role to play in shaping Kenya’s future. Young people bring energy, innovation, and vision. Older generations bring experience, wisdom, and historical context. It is only through genuine intergenerational dialogue that we can rebuild trust, restore hope, and develop sustainable solutions to the challenges we face”, he highlighted.
Meanwhile, NCIC has recommended the prosecution of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over utterances said to have been deemed to be hate speech.
The utterances, however, were not connected to the Gen Z protests.
Additional reporting by John Jacob Kioria.
