Dozens of young people in the Langas area of Uasin Gishu County gathered for a football tournament on the weekend, using the opportunity to foster unity and promote peace ahead of the 2027 general election.
The tournament, organized within the Langas community, brought together youth from diverse backgrounds and social strata, with organizers aiming to use sports as a platform to build cohesion and combat political intolerance.
Clinton Gwako, an official from Rural Women Peace Link said the tournament is designed to bring youth together and have a platform for honest discussions about the role of young people as key agents of peace building in the country.
“Especially how we can unite against increasing political intolerance, which is closely connected with ethnic fanaticism,” he noted.
On his part, Langas footballer Lucas Mugogo lauded the initiative organized by Rural Women Peace Link, noting it has offered youth an opportunity to exercise and interact instead of remaining idle in the community. He called the government and other partners to organize such tournaments to nurture and support youth talents at the grassroots level.
Beyond the sporting activities—organized by the civil society group Rural Women Peace Link—the event provided a platform for “Gen Z” youth to discuss their role in peacebuilding as the country heads toward the election season.
Meanwhile, Kenya is grappling with the challenge of rising gangs allegedly funded by politicians—a trend that evokes fears of the violence witnessed in past elections.
“As youth now we are literate, we should not be used to disrupt peace among our friends and neighbours, you may need them tomorrow. Politicians will come and go,” noted Marilyn Kalenya, Footballer Langas.
“I urge all youth, let’s be our brother’s keeper and embrace peace before, during and after elections,” added Elizabeth Munika, Langas youth.
By Ekuwam Sylvester
