Peace Ambassadors Raise Alarm Over Hate Speech Ahead of Election Season

By Our Correspondent

Peace ambassadors drawn from all 47 counties have launched a nationwide campaign aimed at promoting unity and peaceful coexistence, warning that rising political intolerance and hate speech could undermine Kenya’s development and stability ahead of the next election cycle.

Speaking during a consultative forum held at Ofafa Jericho Comprehensive School in Nairobi, the leaders expressed concern over what they termed as increasing divisive political rhetoric, saying it poses a serious threat to national cohesion and economic progress.

The campaign is being spearheaded by the Global Union for Peace and Development (GUPD). Its founder and Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Eugene Kavune Nzabonimba, said peace remains a key pillar for sustainable national development.

He announced that the organisation will soon roll out a countrywide peace mission targeting communities, political leaders, religious institutions, and other stakeholders in a bid to strengthen national unity.

“Without peace, there can be no development. Schools cannot function effectively, businesses suffer losses, and communities live in fear. Peace is the foundation upon which a prosperous nation is built,” said Nzabonimba.

He urged political leaders to exercise responsibility in their public communication and avoid statements that could incite hostility as the country moves closer to the election period.

Nzabonimba also appealed to government agencies, development partners, and the private sector to support peace-building initiatives across the country.

While reaffirming citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful demonstrations, he cautioned against violence and destruction of property during protests.

“Kenyans have a right to express their views and assemble peacefully, but that right must not be used as a cover for vandalism or destruction of public and private 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 leaders to take a stronger stand against politicians using church platforms to spread divisive messages.

Korir urged churches to deny political leaders opportunities to advance hate speech from the pulpit, insisting that places of worship should remain centres of peace and reconciliation.

“The individuals promoting hatred are only a small fraction of our leaders. Churches should not provide platforms for messages that divide Kenyans,” he said.

Nafula, on her part, urged leaders to be mindful of their words, noting that public statements have the power to either strengthen unity or deepen divisions.

She called on Kenyans to embrace dialogue, tolerance, and mutual respect, saying these values are essential for maintaining peace and fostering development.

The ambassadors said they will continue engaging communities through civic education forums, partnerships, and grassroots initiatives aimed at promoting national cohesion and preventing conflict across the country.