NYERI, Kenya – Nyeri Archbishop Anthony Muheria has urged young Kenyans to embrace empathy and national unity, cautioning against a growing culture of political intolerance marked by insults, division, and public shaming among leaders.
Speaking during a Sunday sermon themed on love and compassion, Archbishop Muheria appealed to the youth to reject the current wave of political mudslinging and instead champion values that unite rather than divide.
“To our young people, we ask them to be part of this oneness, to be accommodating and listen to us as we walk together,” Muheria said. “Our nation, even at the political front, we don’t accommodate—we compete in insults and in trying to undress one another in public.”
His remarks come amid rising political temperatures ahead of the 2027 general elections, with leaders from rival camps engaged in increasingly personal attacks.
Muheria warned that such conduct not only undermines national cohesion but also sends the wrong message to young people, many of whom are looking to political and religious leaders for guidance.
“Compete in Love, Not in Hate”
The Archbishop challenged both leaders and citizens to rediscover their sense of maturity and patriotism, and to seek collective solutions to national problems.
“Can we start competing in love and stop competing in hatred and actions that are deplorable?” he asked. “I believe Kenya will change because hope is God’s hope.”
He underscored the importance of protecting human life, uplifting the vulnerable, and learning to accommodate divergent views.
“It doesn’t matter what your political persuasion is. The most prior goal is human life—the protection of human life and the uplifting of the needy, poor, and miserable,” Muheria said.
Youth Protests and Calls for Justice
His message comes days after fresh protests in Nairobi over the death of 30-year-old social media influencer Albert Ojwang’, who died in police custody on June 7 under unclear circumstances.
The June 17 demonstrations—led by Gen Z activists demanding justice—turned chaotic after armed goons infiltrated the peaceful crowd, attacking protesters and disrupting the march.
One protester, Boniface Kariuki, suffered serious head injuries after allegedly being shot at close range by two police officers.
The officers have since been interdicted as investigations by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) continue.
Youths Turn to the Church
Several youth leaders have since called on religious institutions, especially the Church, to take a more active role in supporting their calls for accountability and justice.
“The Church can no longer remain silent. We need it to amplify our voices, not just preach peace,” said one youth organiser, reacting to Muheria’s message.
