Mombasa clerics warn politicians against using Gen Z as political weapons ahead of 2027
Faith leaders in Mombasa, under the Coast Interfaith Council of Clerics CICC Trust, have cautioned politicians against exploiting young people for political gain as Kenya approaches the 2027 General Election. The CICC has launched a three-year program, Tupo Pamoja II, to mentor hundreds of youth aged 18 to 30 in Mombasa County. The initiative aims to equip young people with skills to promote peace and participate constructively in democratic processes, transforming them into peace ambassadors rather than participants in political violence. CICC Secretary General Bishop Abarija Kinoga stated that the program addresses rising political tensions, warning that youth could be mobilized and manipulated for political interests. He emphasized CICC's non-partisan stance, urging young people to reject hate speech, attacks on opponents, and violence, and instead demand accountability and take on leadership roles. CICC Chairperson Sheikh Mahmoud Abdallah highlighted the vulnerability of young people due to unemployment and limited economic opportunities, which can make them susceptible to recruitment into political unrest. The program will involve religious leaders from various faiths mentoring youth and creating platforms for dialogue, encouraging resistance to misinformation, hate speech, and political manipulation.
