Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has laid blame on poor governance as the source of frustration among the Kenyan youth.
Speaking in an interview on Wednesday July 10, Obasanjo pointed out the need to pay attention to grievances of the youth.
In addition, emphasized the importance of Kenyan leaders to rebuild confidence, trust and eventually come up with a solution on the way forward.
“We have this unfortunate incident in Kenya of protests. I believe all hands had to be on deck for Kenyans to stem the tide. We should appreciate what the youth were going through. I believe this is the time for us in Kenya to rebuild confidence, trust, and knowledge of our situation and to develop goodwill so that we can do what needs to be done,”
Additionally, he highlighted the issues affecting not just the Kenyan youth but Africa as a whole, including unemployment, lack of empowerment, and a sense of hopelessness.
“They are unemployed, underpowered and see nothing other than hopelessness. In a situation like that, what you have from frustrated youth is anger and they have no hope. If you want to kill any human being, take hope and cut away his life, that is what is happening,” said Obasanjo.
Also Read: This Man Obasanjo: From Coup Convict to Africa’s Statesman
The former head of state warned that if the government does not focus on empowering the youth, then things will go downhill.
‘If no attention is paid to the youth, things will get ugly.”
Olusegun Obasanjo Supports Raila’s AU Bid
Obasanjo also weighed in Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga African Union (AU) bid while noting the problems facing Africa citing that it needs an experienced person for the position.
Similarly, he declared his support for the former prime minister as a suitable candidate stating that he can build a credible and efficient team to tackle the issues facing the continent.
“We have so many problems in Africa. To deal with all these problems, you need somebody with experience, and you cannot say that Raila Odinga does not have that experience. I believe that Raila has been taken as the candidate of the region. You need somebody who can build a credible and efficient team and I believe Raila has had that type of experience,” he said.
The former Nigerian head of state pointed out Raila’s qualities that make him a suitable candidate just like the rest.
Therefore, he hinted at Raila having a good chance at the top position based on his observations stating that he has the outreach and the support of his region.
“Raila has a good a chance as anybody else. By virtue of the position he has reached, he can knock at anybody’s door. He has the outreach and the support of his region. From what I have seen and those I have talked to, it’s not looking bad at all,” Obasanjo stated.
Also Read: Raila Reveals Details of Closed-Door Meeting with Mudavadi on AU Chair Job
Anti Finance Bill Protests
Obasanjo’s remarks came after a wave of anti-government protests sparked by the controversial Finance Bill 2024, forcing President William Ruto to make a U-turn.
Additionally, they wanted the leaders to account for their opulent lifestyle and how the government was using the taxes paid by the citizens.
“Listening keenly to the people of Kenya who have said loudly they want nothing to do with the finance bill 2024, I concede and therefore will not sign the bill, and it shall therefore be withdrawn. I have agreed with MP’s that it becomes our collective position “Ruto said.
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