Archbishop Muheria to youths: If you listen to us, we'll walk together

Nyeri Archbishop Anthony Muheria / FILE

Nyeri Archbishop Anthony Muheria has called on young people to be empathetic and to listen to their leaders.

Muheria expressed concern over the current political climate, where leaders appear to be competing by insulting and publicly shaming each other.

Speaking on Sunday, the Archbishop urged Kenyans to work together despite their differing political beliefs.

“To our young people, we ask them to be part of this oneness, to be accommodating and listen to us as we walk together. Our nation, even at the political front, we don’t accommodate, we compete in insults, and we compete in trying to undress one another in public,” Muheria said.

He added that the Sunday sermon centred on the theme of love—an essential value Kenyans must embrace if the country is to make meaningful progress.

“The Lord has blessed us with a fantastic nation, and it doesn’t matter what your political persuasion is, it doesn’t matter [what] you hold to be your goals. The most prior goal is human life, the protection of human life and uplifting of the needy, poor and miserable, and above all to accommodate, to listen, to embrace one another and to be ready to be one, even though we may be different in our views,” he said.

Archbishop Muheria also urged Kenyans to pray for the departed and to seek collective solutions in unity.

He called on both citizens and leaders to rediscover their sense of maturity and patriotism.

“Can we start competing in love and stop competing in hatred and actions that are deplorable? I believe Kenya will change because hope is God’s hope,” Muheria said.

His remarks come amid rising political temperatures ahead of the 2027 general elections, with some leaders resorting to mudslinging tactics against their opponents.

In response, many youths have condemned such conduct, demanding accountability and fulfilment of promises from those in power.

Young people have been at the forefront of nationwide protests, seeking justice for victims of police brutality.

On Tuesday, June 17, youths in Nairobi took to the streets to protest the death of social media influencer Albert Ojwang', who died in police custody under unclear circumstances.

The demonstrations turned chaotic when hired goons infiltrated the crowds, attacking and mugging peaceful protesters.

One protester, Boniface Kariuki, sustained severe head injuries after being shot at close range by two police officers.

The officers involved have since been interdicted as investigations by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa) continue.

Youth leaders have since called on the Church to take a more active role in amplifying their calls for justice.