Bishop Kamomoe urges religious leaders to empower youth ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Elections

Bishop Simon Peter Kamomoe urged religious leaders to empower Kenyan youth to participate actively in the democratic process before the 2027 general elections. Speaking at the opening of the National Stakeholders convening on September 2, the Bishop of Wote Diocese represented the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops at the Kenya Religious Leaders Forum.

Bishop Kamomoe told religious leaders, government officials, and civil society groups that young people should be treated as active participants rather than tools for political mobilization or campaign crowds. He encouraged leaders to create opportunities for youth to register to vote, engage in civic education, join policy discussions, seek elective office, monitor elections, and contribute to national dialogue.

The Bishop warned against the dangerous practice of exploiting young people to turn them against one another during election periods. He stated that religious institutions have a responsibility to provide young people with civic knowledge, ethical leadership values, and critical thinking skills. He also called for platforms where their voices can be heard to help them demonstrate responsible citizenship during the upcoming elections.