CITIZENS GATHER IN LIMURU TO RECLAIM PEOPLE’S POWER
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Hon. Martha Karua, Leader of the People’s Liberation Party, addresses delegates during the National People’s Convention at Jumuia Conference and Country Home in Limuru, where she urged citizens to remain vigilant and defend democratic governance. |
By: Gladys K.
The one-day event, themed “Agenda Setting to Reclaim People’s Power,” brought together activists, community leaders, youth, and political reformers to set priorities that will guide citizen action across the country. The convention aimed to strengthen civic engagement, encourage citizen-driven reforms, and rebuild trust between the people and public institutions.
The forum featured panel discussions, group workshops, and plenary sessions focusing on accountability, inclusion, and devolution. Speakers challenged Kenyans to move beyond complaints and take part in shaping the country’s social and political future.
Hon. Martha Karua, the Chief Guest and Leader of the People’s Liberation Party, urged Kenyans to stay active in civic matters and protect the gains of democracy. She called for renewed citizen vigilance to ensure that the rule of law and constitutional values are upheld.
"We. will be there, and we will stand firm,” said Karua, calling for unity and courage in holding leaders accountable.
Karua said the time had come for Kenyans to reclaim their space in public affairs and ensure the government remains responsive to people’s needs. She encouraged citizens to resist any attempts to erode democracy or silence public participation.
Joan Achieng’, the Media and Public Relations Lead at Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi!, said the convention was about reminding citizens that power belongs to them.
“Every citizen has the power to be a shujaa to speak truth to power and demand accountability,” she said.
She added that Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi! would continue building grassroots movements through civic education and dialogue to empower Kenyans to question, participate, and act.
Participants discussed key issues such as corruption, youth employment, civic education, and inclusive leadership. The discussions also highlighted the growing concerns over shrinking civic space and the need to strengthen devolution to ensure that local governments serve people effectively.
Several speakers called for reforms in public resource management, stressing that citizens should have a stronger voice in how county budgets and development priorities are set.
Moses Kiprono, a county coordinator, said citizens must remain engaged beyond elections.
“We are not just voters once every five years; we are the people, and the power truly belongs to us,” he noted.
Delegates also shared experiences from their counties and proposed the creation of community dialogue centres, known as Maskani ya Taifa, to act as platforms for civic engagement and local problem-solving. These centres will host regular forums where citizens can raise issues directly with local officials and push for transparency in governance.
The event also featured youth and women leaders presenting action plans on economic empowerment, environmental protection, and human rights advocacy. Many emphasised that building an accountable Kenya requires citizens to stay informed, organised, and united.
Organisers pledged to compile a People’s Agenda for Kenya 2026 to guide future civic and policy work. The document will outline citizen priorities and serve as a tool to monitor government action at both national and county levels.
“We are not seeking charity; we are reclaiming the instruments of governance so they serve the people,” concluded Joan Achieng’, reaffirming the movement’s commitment to people-led governance.
Participants left Limuru energised, pledging to carry the conversation back to their communities and keep citizens at the centre of Kenya’s democratic journey.
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