Youths aren’t Political Weapons, Clerics Warn Ahead of 2027 Polls
Youths in a Seminar.(Photo/Courtesy)
By Mbungu Harrison
Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com
Faith leaders in Mombasa County have launched a three-year program to shield young people from political manipulation and hate ahead of the 2027 general election.
The programme, dubbed Tupo Pamoja II will be implemented by the Coast Interfaith Council of Clerics (CICC) Trust to enhance youth participation in peacebuilding, leadership, and governance through mentorship by religious leaders.
They made the remarks through a media statement delivered during the training which was read by CICC secretary general Bishop Abarija Kinoga in the county.
Bishop Kinoga said the programme comes at a critical moment when political tensions were already emerging, and young people were increasingly being mobilised for political gain.
“We launch this programme at a critical moment as Kenya approaches the 2027 General Election. Political tensions are already emerging, and we are increasingly witnessing how young people can be mobilised and manipulated for political interests,” he said.
“As an interfaith and non-partisan organisation, CICC Trust reminds all political actors, our youth are not political weapons,” he added.
According to him young people must not be recruited to spread hate, confront opponents or engage in violence, but should instead be empowered to participate in democracy, demand accountability and become agents of peace.
The cleric said although young people were empowered they were rarely listened to.
“Currently they are empowered but they are not listened to, so the project targets to have their voice listened to.”
Through the initiative, Bishop Kinoga said religious leaders from different faiths have committed to mentoring youth, creating safe spaces for dialogue, and promoting peaceful participation in leadership.
He challenged political leaders to compete on ideas and policies rather than incitement, and urged youth to reject manipulation, misinformation, and hate speech.
“Let us not use our youth to destroy the future they are meant to inherit. Let us empower them to lead it,” he said.
CICC chairperson Sheikh Mahmoud Abdallah said the programme targets youth aged between 18 and 30 years; many of whom were vulnerable due to joblessness and lack of skills.
“Joblessness, lack of training and skills leads many to be lured to chaos. We ask our politicians to stop using our young people,” the sheikh said.
CICC member Munira Faraj said women were advocating for peace, and for youth to be heard.
“As women, we want peace. We want young people to be heard and to understand themselves, so as not to be used,” she said.
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