By Andrew Kariuki
Murungaru Kamiti, a Ndaragwa parliamentary aspirant, has called on young people to reject political violence and resist being manipulated during periods of political tension, saying peace and unity must remain at the centre of Kenya’s national conversation.
Speaking during a Peace Ambassadors Forum held at Weston Hotel on behalf of veteran Mau Mau figure Maina Njenga, Kamiti used the gathering to rally young people around peaceful coexistence, dialogue and responsible civic participation.
Opening his remarks in a familiar spiritual tone, Kamiti told attendees, “God is good and all the time God is good,” before shifting focus to what he described as the urgent need to preserve stability in the country.
At the heart of his address was the formal introduction of a youth representative tasked with serving as a peace ambassador, a role Kamiti said would involve grassroots mobilisation aimed at promoting non-violence, unity and cooperation among young people from different communities.
He explained that the appointment was intended to be practical rather than symbolic, with the representative expected to actively engage youth and encourage peaceful dialogue in communities.
“Tunataka amani katika nchi yetu,” Kamiti said, a phrase he repeated while emphasizing the importance of safeguarding peace amid heightened political discourse.
“We want peace in our country. Young people must become ambassadors of unity and not instruments of chaos,” he told participants.
Kamiti warned that political language used by leaders has real consequences, arguing that reckless rhetoric often fuels unnecessary divisions and exposes young people to danger.
According to him, some politicians continue to exploit tribal divisions and partisan hostility for personal and political gain at the expense of national stability.
He challenged leaders to rise above narrow political interests and instead focus on protecting the future of young Kenyans.
“The youth should not be used as tools for political battles,” Kamiti said, cautioning attendees against allowing themselves to be mobilised into violence or confrontation.
He urged young people to think independently and participate in constructive civic engagement, insisting that peace begins with rejecting divisive messaging.
Kamiti also encouraged collaboration among youth organisations and peace networks, saying partnerships are essential in strengthening cohesion and reducing mistrust among communities.
“Tunaendelea kushirikiana,” he said, referring to ongoing efforts to work with like-minded groups in promoting dialogue and national harmony.
The Ndaragwa parliamentary hopeful further expressed concern over what he termed growing outside influence in Kenya’s affairs, urging citizens to embrace local approaches in resolving disputes and strengthening social cohesion.
At one point, he cautioned politicians against what he described as tribal rhetoric stating that international bodies are still monitoring Kenya after the 2007 election violence which was heavily fuelled by tribal talk. He remarked stating, “ICC inakodolea Kenya namna hii,” while urging Kenyans to remain focused on internal unity and dialogue driven solutions.
Throughout the forum, Kamiti maintained that meaningful development can only flourish in a peaceful environment, stressing that national progress becomes impossible where division and instability take root.
The event concluded with renewed appeals for youth leadership in peace-building efforts, as participants were encouraged to champion dialogue, tolerance and unity in their respective communities.
