By ANDANJE WAKHUNGU
July 21, 2026|Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi has condemned the growing cases of goonism in Kenya, warning that unchecked violence could plunge the country back into the dark days of the 2007-2008 post-election crisis.
Speaking on Monday while representing President William Ruto at the opening of the 21st Plenary Assembly of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) in Nairobi, Mudavadi urged young people to reject political manipulation and resist being used to perpetrate violence.
He cautioned that unless decisive action is taken against those behind organised violence, Kenya risks reliving the chaos that claimed more than 1,400 lives and displaced hundreds of thousands during the post-election violence.
“The elections will come and go, but our national unity, stability and future must endure for generations to come,” Mudavadi said, appealing to the youth to embrace peace and national cohesion instead of divisive politics and tribalism.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary made the remarks during the regional Catholic bishops’ gathering, which has brought together church leaders from across Eastern Africa under the theme “AMECEA’s Synodal Journey with Young People: Building Bridges of Communion, Hope, Justice and Good Governance.”
Mudavadi linked peace and good governance to sustainable development, saying conflicts across Africa continue to undermine economic progress and humanitarian well-being.He cited the humanitarian crises in Sudan and the Horn of Africa, noting that millions of families have been displaced while millions of children remain out of school because of conflict and climate-related emergencies.
According to Mudavadi, Sudan alone has witnessed the displacement of about 14 million people since fighting erupted in 2023, with nearly half of the country’s schools closed, leaving an estimated 13 million children without access to education.
He challenged African leaders, religious institutions and communities to work together in promoting peace and preventing conflicts before they escalate.
Mudavadi also called on the Catholic Church to continue playing a leading role in peace-building efforts across the continent, citing its contributions in countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan.
“The Church remains a trusted partner in promoting reconciliation, justice and social harmony,” he said, urging bishops to intensify efforts to mobilise international support for conflict-affected populations, particularly children.
The Cabinet Secretary further encouraged young people to harness technology positively, saying digital platforms should be used to drive innovation rather than spread hate or misinformation.
He warned that irresponsible use of social media could negatively affect opportunities such as scholarships, employment and international travel.
“As Foreign Affairs Minister, I have seen young people lose opportunities because of undesirable content on their social media platforms,” he said.
Mudavadi highlighted several government initiatives aimed at empowering youth, including the KSh20 billion National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) project, implemented in partnership with the World Bank.
The programme targets more than 800,000 young Kenyans through business grants, digital skills training, apprenticeships and savings initiatives under the National Social Security Fund.
He said investing in education, entrepreneurship and skills development would enable young people to become productive contributors to national development while reducing their vulnerability to political exploitation.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary also reflected on Kenya’s experience during the 2008 peace negotiations led by the late former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, saying the country’s painful history should serve as a reminder of the devastating cost of violence.
Church leaders attending the assembly echoed his message.Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops Chairman Archbishop Maurice Muhatia said the Church remains committed to promoting hope, justice and good governance across the region.
AMECEA Chairman Bishop Charles Kasonde similarly called for renewed commitment to nurturing young people and strengthening peace, while Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja lauded the Catholic Church for its contribution to education, healthcare and social development, saying the government shares its vision of empowering the youth and building a more peaceful society.