The Neutral Voice of Peace Ambassadors Forum has vowed to intensify efforts to foster peace, unity, and national cohesion amidst rising political tensions and public anxiety in various parts of the country.
Speaking during a press briefing in Nairobi, the Forum’s Secretary Mr. Munyori Kinyenje emphasised the organisation’s apolitical stance and its commitment to promoting peaceful dialogue, reconciliation, and civic awareness at the grassroots level.
“As Neutral Voice of Peace Ambassadors, our mission is to offer non-partisan and community-centred peace solutions,” said Munyori. “We are deeply concerned about the growing mistrust, misinformation, and incitement being spread, particularly through social media. Our response is to engage directly with communities through constructive dialogue and education.”
Munyori said the Forum is rolling out a nationwide peace initiative involving structured town hall engagements, youth mentorship sessions, and interfaith forums designed to reduce tensions and create platforms where diverse voices could be heard and respected.
“We are deploying trained peace ambassadors in all counties to lead conversations that promote understanding and respect across political and ethnic divides. Peace is not just the absence of conflict; it is the active presence of justice, tolerance, and mutual respect,” he stated.
Forum Chairman Mr. Joachim Maragia echoed Munyori’s remarks, reiterating the Forum’s commitment to championing peace as a shared responsibility.
He pointed out that political and civic leaders alone could not shoulder the burden of reconciliation and unity.
“Our message is simple: peace begins with each of us. Every citizen, regardless of their background, has a role to play in creating a harmonious society,” Maragia said.
He added that the Forum would not align itself with any political faction but would instead serve as a neutral platform to promote constructive dialogue, understanding, and healing.
“We will use every peaceful tool available – dialogue, education, culture, and faith-based engagements – to ensure our communities are resilient against hate speech, propaganda, and any attempt to divide them,” he said.
The Forum is also focusing on the youth, who Maragia said were often the most vulnerable to manipulation and incitement.
He said through mentorship and community service programmes, the Forum seeks to empower young people with the values of peace, patriotism, and civic responsibility.
“Kenya’s young people must be seen not as a risk but as a resource in peacebuilding. We want them to lead by example in rejecting violence and embracing dialogue,” he noted.
Rev. Anne Favour, the Treasurer of the Forum, called on faith leaders to take a front-line role in reconciling communities and nurturing moral values that encourage peaceful coexistence.
“As religious leaders, we must rise above denominational and political boundaries to preach peace and understanding. When communities pray together and talk together, they find common ground,” she said.
Rev. Favour said the Forum would also collaborate with women’s groups, schools, and local administrators to establish sustainable peace structures at the community level.
“We believe in homegrown peace solutions. By listening to the people on the ground and working hand in hand with community leaders, we can prevent the eruption of conflict and ensure that grievances are addressed through dialogue and institutional channels,” she added.
The Neutral Voice of Peace Ambassadors Forum is a national non-profit movement comprised of civic leaders, clergy, youth advocates, and community organisers who are committed to restoring peace and promoting unity across Kenya. Its approach is guided by inclusivity, neutrality, and the belief that peacebuilding must be people-driven.
As the country navigates a period of heightened political activity, the Forum has pledged to remain vigilant, responsive, and committed to bridging divisions before they escalate into unrest.
By Joan Ogolla
