Opposition Leaders Rally Youth at People’s Dialogue Festival, Call for Stronger Democrac
Opposition leaders on Thursday attended the 2026 People’s Dialogue Festival in Nairobi, emphasizing the importance of multi-stakeholder dialogue and civic engagement as critical pillars of democratic governance and social development in Kenya.
The annual festival, held at Uhuru Park Gardens and organized by the Centre for Multi-Party Democracy (CMD-Kenya), brought together political leaders, civil society actors, and citizens for discussions on governance, accountability, and the future of the country’s democratic institutions.
Speaking during the forum, opposition leaders underscored that dialogue between citizens, political actors, and institutions remains essential in promoting inclusivity, transparency, and accountability in governance.
They noted that collaborative engagement strengthens democratic structures while fostering social cohesion and resilience, which are key to sustainable national development.
The leaders said the festival provides a crucial platform where civic and political actors can connect directly with citizens, reflect on governance challenges, and work collectively toward democratic renewal.
Among those who attended the event were opposition figures Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, and Justin Muturi, who joined other stakeholders in conversations focused on strengthening Kenya’s democratic fabric.
During the discussions, the leaders also issued a strong call to young people across the country to take an active role in shaping Kenya’s political future.
“Young people must actively participate in our democratic processes, especially during elections, so that the right decisions are made for the good of our country,” one of the leaders said.
They further emphasized that the youth are not merely leaders of tomorrow but leaders of today, urging them to fight for their space and play a central role in determining the nation’s direction.
The People’s Dialogue Festival, held annually, continues to serve as a key forum for civic engagement, bringing together diverse voices to deliberate on governance, policy reforms, and the future of democracy in Kenya.
