A peace forum held at Weston Hotel brought together youth leaders, community mobilisers and peace advocates, with Murungaru Kamiti, an Ndaragwa parliamentary aspirant, using the platform to urge young people to reject violence, political manipulation and divisive rhetoric.
Speaking during the Peace Ambassadors Forum on behalf of well-known Mau Mau figure Maina Njenga, Kamiti emphasized the need for national cohesion and called for deliberate efforts to safeguard peace, particularly among young people who are often drawn into political tensions.
Kamiti formally introduced a youth representative whom he described as an ambassador tasked with mobilising young people at the grassroots level to champion peaceful coexistence, dialogue and unity across communities.
According to him, the role is intended to go beyond ceremonial representation and instead serve as a practical channel for engaging youth on peace-building efforts.
“We want peace in our country,” Kamiti said, repeatedly stressing the need for calm and cooperation amid rising political temperatures.
He argued that Kenya’s future depends on stability and warned against political narratives that deepen divisions among citizens, particularly those based on tribalism or partisan interests.
During his address, Kamiti challenged political leaders to exercise restraint in public discourse, saying inflammatory statements risk placing young people at the centre of avoidable conflict.
He cautioned youth against being exploited during political contests, noting that they often bear the greatest consequences of unrest despite having little influence over political outcomes.
Kamiti further encouraged the formation of youth-led platforms that can independently promote dialogue, mentorship and peaceful engagement outside partisan structures.
“We continue to cooperate,” he said, while referencing ongoing efforts to work with different youth networks and community actors to strengthen peace initiatives.
The Ndaragwa parliamentary hopeful also raised concerns about what he described as growing external influence in Kenya’s internal affairs, citing historical political developments involving international institutions.
Without delving into specific legal processes, he urged Kenyans to embrace local mechanisms for resolving disputes and strengthening national unity.
Throughout the forum, Kamiti maintained that sustainable peace cannot be achieved through political rivalry, but through cooperation, dialogue and responsible leadership.
The event ended with renewed calls for youth participation in peace-building initiatives and greater civic responsibility as the country continues to navigate an increasingly charged political environment.
