Clerics Warn Against Youth Exploitation in 2027 Politics

With political activities intensifying ahead of the 2027 General Election, leaders have been advised against exploiting young people to incite violence for political advantage.
Instead, politicians have been called to invest in practical youth empowerment initiatives that foster self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods.
This appeal was made during the launch of the Munyiri Africa Foundation (MAF) initiative in Juja, Kiambu County, where religious leaders voiced concern over the increasing practice of utilizing unemployed and discontented youths as instruments for political mobilization and unrest.
The religious leaders, led by Bishop David Munyiri Thagana of GOA Church and Reverend Mishek Kimuri, urged politicians to shift from divisive rhetoric to substantive economic programs that equip young people with skills and opportunities to support themselves.
They observed that empowering youth economically would diminish their susceptibility to manipulation and enhance democratic engagement.
The clerics further encouraged young people to demand respect and dignity in political arenas and to refuse involvement in violence or destructive activities during campaigns.
“Do not trade your future and lives for political bribes. It is time for youths in our nation to step up and make wise decisions by supporting visionary leaders who prioritize our country’s interests at heart,” Thagana stated.
They mentioned that public confrontations between politicians of opposing factions create chaos and divisions in the nation, emphasizing that politicians should prioritize national interests and peace.
The clerics asserted that divisive and confrontational politics would plunge the nation into turmoil.
“We are witnessing heated exchanges between politicians from different political alliances which is gradually breeding animosity among their supporters. This is elevating the nation’s political climate and disrupting peace. We are requesting our politicians to avoid statements or political conflicts that would undermine the country’s peace and stability,” Thagana said.
In response, youth attendees represented by Samuel Njoroge and Monica Wairimu promised to reject political exploitation and instead advocate for initiatives to uplift their peers.
They committed to promoting income-generating activities and supporting entrepreneurship among young people in their communities.
The youths also emphasized the importance of awareness and education, noting that many young voters are easily influenced by temporary handouts and hollow promises.
“We will educate our peers on the necessity of electing appropriate leaders who will represent our interests. We must ensure our country receives leadership that will promote unity and fairness while creating opportunities for millions of unemployed youths,” Wairimu said.
They pledged to inform their peers about making informed political choices based on leadership qualities and development agendas rather than inducements.
As part of their commitment, the young people resolved to establish mentorship programs and civic education forums targeting fellow youths to encourage responsible participation in the electoral process.
“Once again, we call on our fellow youth to register as voters so they can bring the necessary changes in the country’s leadership,” Njoroge said.
They stated this would help build a generation that values peaceful engagement and long-term development over political chaos.
The Munyiri Africa Foundation initiative aims to provide platforms for mentorship, economic empowerment and leadership training, focusing on preparing young people to become productive and responsible citizens as the nation approaches another election cycle.
Meanwhile, Bishop Thagana reiterated that MAF has begun training youth and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in entrepreneurship and financial literacy skills.
He mentioned that the Foundation has launched a program designed to mentor and impart relevant knowledge and skills to youth, which will help develop their business abilities and start and sustain their enterprises.
He noted that beneficiaries of the empowerment program will receive enhanced financial literacy training, market connections, business networking with established entrepreneurs, and financial access.
Thagana maintained that supporting youth and business ventures is the most effective approach to addressing unemployment and poverty in the nation.
He pointed out that research shows most business startups in the country fail within less than two years due to insufficient business management knowledge and proper mentorship, adding that MAF aims to address such challenges, which will in turn economically empower thousands of youths.
“We have begun a movement of empowered businesses, leading dignified lives and influencing positive change in our community, nation and Africa as a whole. We seek to eliminate poverty by promoting sustainable businesses and mentoring the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs,” Bishop Thagana said.
The Bishop noted that youth have the capacity to drive a nation’s socio-economic growth when mentored and given opportunities.
He stressed the importance of empowering young people to pursue entrepreneurship and leadership roles to shape the future.