By WAKHUNGU ANDANJE
April 23, 2026| Kakamega Diocese Bishop Emeritus Joseph Obanyi has urged young people to vie for leadership positions in the upcoming general elections.
Speaking on Sunday while presiding over the youth chaplaincy meeting for Kakamega Zone at St. Anne’s Catholic Parish, Bishop Obanyi noted that a renewed wave of youth leadership is likely to emerge, driven by the massive turnout in the ongoing IEBC voter registration drive, which ends on April 28.
The bishop disclosed that the initiative was specifically designed to push for greater recognition of young people in leadership.
He added that although the exercise is often taken lightly by many, it holds great value for the future of the nation.
The bishop’s remarks come in the wake of the 2024 Gen Z protests against the Finance Bill, which gathered momentum and inspired young Kenyans to rise up, seek leadership positions, and vote for leaders with clear development agendas.
“Don’t think someone will work for you. Create the kind of society that is best in transformation,” Obanyi encouraged the youth, urging them to prioritize government programs at the grassroots level.
During last week’s Bishop’s Forum, religious leaders highlighted key economic challenges affecting the country, including the high cost of living and soaring commodity prices, which they attributed to rising tensions in the Middle East.
The bishop also accused the government of failing to implement strategies to end violence involving Iran and the United States, arguing that measures should be taken to prevent injuries and deaths. He said such steps would help stabilize the economy, which he noted is deteriorating further due to the hike in fuel prices and other essential goods.
“The government is always called upon to consider the social necessities of Kenyans and make sure they cushion them from difficult lives,” he emphasized.
Obanyi underscored the importance of youth participating in leadership, especially when they hold voter cards, saying this would foster national development.
He reaffirmed his unwavering support for young people to initiate and run development projects across the diocese and also promised to unite them toward common goals.