Youth leaders urge peers to reject political violence ahead of 2027 polls
Source: People Daily
Youth leaders and peace actors have raised concerns over the increasing vulnerability of young people to political manipulation, warning that rising political temperatures ahead of the 2027 General Election could fuel violence if preventive measures are not strengthened.
Speaking during a Youth Civic Engagement Forum and Festival in Kisumu on Friday, July 24, 2026, Youth Arts Development and Entrepreneurship Network (YADN) East Africa Director Sammy Gathii said young people often become the face of political violence despite not being the architects of the conflict.
He said the forum was aimed at giving young people a platform to speak for themselves and to commit to promoting peaceful political participation, rather than being used to advance politicians’ interests.
“We want young people to disassociate themselves from violence and instead become active champions of peace, cohesion and responsible civic engagement,” said Gathii.
Youth leaders and peace actors have raised concerns over the increasing vulnerability of young people to political manipulation, warning that rising political temperatures ahead of the 2027 General Election could fuel violence if preventive measures are not strengthened.
Speaking during a Youth Civic Engagement Forum and Festival in Kisumu on Friday, July 24, 2026, Youth Arts Development and Entrepreneurship Network (YADN) East Africa Director Sammy Gathii said young people often become the face of political violence despite not being the architects of the conflict.
He said the forum was aimed at giving young people a platform to speak for themselves and to commit to promoting peaceful political participation, rather than being used to advance politicians’ interests.
“We want young people to disassociate themselves from violence and instead become active champions of peace, cohesion and responsible civic engagement,” said Gathii.