President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee coalition has been challenged to hold talks with opposition Cord as a way of reducing heated political debates among the two coalitions over issues affecting the country.
The opposition led by Raila Odinga has recently been critical of Jubilee government over alleged economic turmoil the country is facing and perceived corruption scandals in some top government ministries.
Prof John Akama who was addressing various contestants on Wednesday ahead of the Friday’s Kisii University student elections said dialogue was the only tool left to combat a possible tribal animosity among Kenyan communities.
He called for sobriety from the two coalitions and cautioned politicians who were inciting Kenyans ahead of 2017 polls.
“I think time has come for government to hold talks with opposition to discuss critical issues affecting the nation," he said.
"It will be quite unnecessary if they continue attacking each other in functions because that could bring animosity among supporters. Holding talks will represent mature politics and that is what we want to see."
Akama urged the National Cohesion and Integration Commission to take stiff action on politicians believed to be preaching hatred among Kenyan communities.
“And this is the time for NCIC to take a bold step and deal with those responsible for incitement regardless of their political affiliation. We want to see politicians taking responsibility for alleged tribal incitement,” he said.
He vindicated intellectuals on their alleged minimal contribution towards preaching peace and guiding politicians at the time when politicians from both divides are throwing scathing attacks towards each other.
“As intellectuals, we have done our part. This is not the first time we have advised them to hold talks. Political problems need political answers,” he added.