The United Democratic Alliance (UDA), through Secretary General Cleophas Malala, on Sunday announced that a meeting will be facilitated between President William Ruto and Gen Z protesters.
Malala made the remarks hours after President Ruto remarked that he was now open to dialogue with the demonstrators.
The ruling party has had a change of heart after an earlier dismissal of youth who had taken to demonstrate against Finance Bill 2024 which aims to increase annual taxes by Ksh300 billion.
“You have seen Gen-Z in Nairobi and they have come out in numbers and I want to say they have a point,” Malala stated, signalling his change of heart.
“As Secretary General of UDA, I say those Gen Zs should be given an opportunity to sit with the President because he is the Head of State because of them,” he explained.
Malala remarked that it was only fair for the youth to be allowed to air their grievances.
In his planned meeting with Gen Z, Malala remarked that President William Ruto would lend a listening ear to the youth and compromise on issues that needed to be addressed.
Additionally, he urged the Inspector General (IG) Japhet Koome to ensure that the youth were not harassed during the peaceful demos.
“We should respect them, and listen to them. Police should not start killing those young people or shoot them,” he stated.
Regarding when the meeting is scheduled to take place, Malala noted that he was still looking at an opportune moment to broker the meeting.
On Sunday while speaking in Nyahururu, Ruto expressed his admiration for the youth opposing the Finance Bill prepared by his administration.
Calling for an end to the demonstrations, he stated that he had the interests of Gen Z at heart and would love the issues raised to be solved amicably.
