Religious leaders have intensified peace campaigns targeting young people across the country, urging them to reject political violence and promote peaceful coexistence ahead of future political contests.
The Inter Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK), in partnership with the Kisumu Interfaith Council, has commenced a series of peace and dialogue meetings with youths in different parts of the country as part of efforts to promote peace, tolerance and harmonious coexistence among communities.
Speaking during a peace meeting with residents of Korando Village in Kisumu West, religious leaders called on politicians to stop inciting young people and using them to cause chaos during political campaigns and contests.
Reverend Jared Omolo, the Reverend of Olando Worship Centre of the Church of God of Prophecy and a member of the Inter Religious Council of Kenya and Kisumu Interfaith Council, urged young people to resist attempts by politicians and other individuals to use them to perpetrate violence.
Omolo said the youth should instead take an active role in promoting peace and encouraging dialogue whenever political or social differences arise.
He said the peace initiative by the interfaith organisations was timely, noting that educating young people, their parents and political leaders on the importance of peaceful coexistence would help prevent violence witnessed during previous political periods.
“The youth should not allow themselves to be used to cause chaos. They should be ambassadors of peace and ensure that they preach peace at all times,” Omolo said.
He added that religious institutions have an important role to play in bringing communities together and creating platforms where young people can openly discuss challenges facing them and find peaceful solutions.
Omolo said political competition should not be allowed to divide communities or turn young people against one another, arguing that politicians should seek elective positions through issue based campaigns rather than violence and intimidation.
A youth from Korando, Shadishas Odhiambo, applauded the Inter Religious Council of Kenya and the Kisumu Interfaith Council for taking the peace campaign directly to young people.
Odhiambo said youths are often at the centre of political violence because they are easily mobilised and exploited by politicians and other individuals during electioneering periods.
He said such violence often leaves young people dead, injured or facing legal consequences while those who allegedly recruit them remain safe.
Odhiambo urged fellow youths to reject money or promises offered in exchange for participating in violence, saying their lives and future were more important than political interests.
The peace campaign comes at a time when religious and community leaders continue to emphasise the need for peaceful political competition, urging Kenyans to embrace dialogue, tolerance and respect for one another despite their political differences.
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