Kenya: Archbishop Muheria Urges Youth to Embrace Unity and Reject Politics of Division

Nyeri Archbishop Anthony Muheria has called on Kenyan youth to cultivate empathy and maturity in an increasingly polarised political environment, urging both leaders and citizens to reject divisive rhetoric and embrace national unity.

Speaking during a Sunday sermon in Nyeri, Archbishop Muheria voiced concern over what he described as a toxic political culture marked by public insults and personal attacks. 

His appeal comes amid rising political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections, with leaders across the political spectrum engaging in mudslinging.

“To our young people, we ask them to be part of this oneness, to be accommodating and to listen to us as we walk together,” the Archbishop said. 

“Our nation, even at the political front, doesn’t accommodate—we compete in insults and in trying to undress one another in public.”

Muheria’s homily focused on the centrality of love and human dignity, values he believes must transcend political affiliations. 

“The Lord has blessed us with a fantastic nation,” he said. “It doesn’t matter what your political persuasion is. The most prior goal is the protection of human life and uplifting of the needy, the poor and the miserable.”

He further urged leaders to “compete in love” rather than hatred, calling on all Kenyans to rediscover a shared sense of maturity and patriotism.

 “I believe Kenya will change because hope is God’s hope,” he added.

Rising Youth Activism

Archbishop Muheria’s remarks come at a time when young people have emerged as a powerful political voice in Kenya, organising protests and demanding accountability from the state.

On Tuesday, June 17, demonstrations erupted in Nairobi following the death of social media influencer Albert Ojwang’, who died in police custody under unclear circumstances. 

Protesters decried what they termed a pattern of police brutality and extrajudicial killings.

The protests turned violent when unidentified individuals believed to have been hired infiltrated the crowds, assaulting and robbing demonstrators. 

One protester, Boniface Kariuki, sustained serious head injuries after being shot at close range by police. 

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has since launched investigations, and the officers involved have been interdicted.

Youth leaders have called for justice and are now urging the Church to take a more active role in championing their cause.

“We appreciate Archbishop Muheria’s message,” said one Nairobi-based activist. “But we need the Church to speak even louder, especially when lives are lost.”

Muheria also called on Kenyans to pray for the deceased and to seek solutions as one people. “It’s time to listen, to embrace one another, and to be ready to be one—even if we differ in our views,” he said.