By Staff Reporter
A group of peace ambassadors has launched a nationwide campaign aimed at promoting unity, peaceful coexistence and responsible leadership ahead of future political activities in the country.
The leaders, drawn from all 47 counties, warned that Kenya risks economic and social setbacks if peace and national cohesion are undermined by divisive politics and hate speech.
Speaking during a consultative forum held at Ofafa Jericho Comprehensive School in Nairobi, the ambassadors said they were concerned by the growing trend of inflammatory political rhetoric that threatens to divide communities.
The initiative is being spearheaded by the Global Union for Peace and Development (GUPD), whose founder and Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Eugene Kavune Nzabonimba, said peace remains the foundation upon which development and prosperity are built.
“Without peace, there can be no meaningful development. Learners cannot concentrate on their studies, businesses suffer, and normal life is disrupted. Peace is the cornerstone of a stable and prosperous society,” he said.
Ambassador Nzabonimba announced that the organisation would soon embark on a nationwide peace mission to engage communities, leaders and stakeholders on the importance of maintaining harmony and national unity.
He urged political leaders to exercise restraint in their public utterances and avoid statements that could incite hostility among Kenyans, particularly as the country gradually approaches another election cycle.
The peace ambassador also appealed to both public and private sector institutions to support the initiative, saying collective efforts were needed to strengthen peace-building efforts across the country.
While acknowledging that Kenyans have a constitutional right to hold peaceful demonstrations, Nzabonimba cautioned against the destruction of public and private property during protests.
“Citizens have a right to express themselves and demonstrate peacefully, but these rights should not be abused through acts of violence, vandalism or destruction of property,” he said.
His sentiments were echoed by Ambassador Mark Korir from the Rift Valley region and Ambassador Emmily Nafula from the Western region, who called on religious institutions to play a more active role in fostering national unity.
Korir challenged churches to deny platforms to leaders who use religious gatherings to spread division and hatred.
“The leaders promoting hatred are only a small minority. Religious institutions should not allow their pulpits to be used to attack fellow Kenyans or advance divisive agendas,” he said.
On her part, Ambassador Nafula urged leaders at all levels to be mindful of the impact of their words, noting that public statements can either unite or divide communities.
She called for responsible leadership and urged all Kenyans to embrace tolerance, dialogue and mutual respect as the country works towards sustainable peace and development.
The peace ambassadors said they will continue engaging communities across the country through forums, civic education programmes and partnerships aimed at strengthening national cohesion and preventing conflict.