Islamic religious leaders in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County have called for peaceful politics, ahead of the 2027 General Election.

While warning against incitement and hate speech, the leaders condemned the rising cases of goonism and disruption of political meetings, warning that the vice could easily plunge the country into chaos if not checked.

Led by Sheikh Abubakar Bini during celebrations to mark the birth of Prophet Mohammed (Maulid) at the Masjid mosque, they decried the growing trend of disruption of political meetings by rowdy youths.

“Goonism starts just like that by invading other politicians’ meetings. However, after elections these youths will not have handouts from politicians, and that’s how criminality starts, because we have created it during campaigns,” said Sheikh Bini.

On his part, Fati Mohammed said the country still carries scars from past political violence and called on political party leaders to dialogue.

“We already have scars from the politics of past years. I urge political parties and their chairpersons to sit and discuss how to ensure peace during the upcoming polls,” he said.

At the same time, Ali Mohammed urged the youth not to allow themselves to be used by politicians to cause chaos.

“I urge fellow youths not to agree to be used by politicians to spread incitement,” he said.

He further called on Kenyans to continue praying for peace and harmony, even as the country enters the electioneering period.

The leaders emphasized that national unity should not be jeopardized by dirty politics, urging Kenyans to uphold cohesion and mutual respect.

By Shaline Jeruto