Former ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo has urged political leaders to reject violence and stop exploiting young people for political intimidation, saying Kenya's democracy should be built on peaceful, issue-based competition.
Taking to his X account on Tuesday, Owalo said the country deserves politics where leaders are judged by their policies, integrity and track record rather than intimidation or fear.
He also called for greater youth empowerment and the protection of every Kenyan's democratic right to participate peacefully, arguing that political competition should be anchored in respect for constitutional freedoms and the rule of law.
"Violence should not be used as a tool of political intimidation. It is unacceptable for young people to be drawn into political violence because of limited opportunities. Kenya deserves peaceful politics where leaders are judged by their policies, integrity, and track record—not by intimidation or fear.
"We must empower our youth with opportunities and protect the democratic right of every Kenyan to participate peacefully," he said.
Owalo's remarks come at a time when political tensions have heightened in parts of the country, with leaders from across the political divide repeatedly calling for restraint and peaceful engagement.
His statement places the spotlight on the role of young people in Kenya's political landscape, arguing that economic hardship should not expose them to manipulation or violence during political activities.
Rather than allowing intimidation to shape democratic processes, Owalo noted that the country's political future should be determined by leaders' ideas, performance and commitment to public service.
His appeal also reaffirms the importance of safeguarding constitutional freedoms, including the right of every Kenyan to participate peacefully in political affairs without fear or coercion.
The government has consistently maintained that peaceful political engagement is essential for national stability. President William Ruto has repeatedly urged leaders and citizens to reject violence and resolve political differences through dialogue and constitutional means.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has also warned against criminal elements exploiting political gatherings to cause destruction or attack members of the public, saying law enforcement agencies will continue acting against those responsible while protecting lawful political activities.
Government officials have maintained that security operations are intended to preserve public order while safeguarding the constitutional rights of citizens, including the freedoms of assembly, association and expression.
Security agencies, led by the National Police Service under Inspector General Douglas Kanja, have continued to assure Kenyans that officers will provide security during political events while taking action against individuals involved in violence, vandalism or incitement.
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission has also continued urging political leaders and their supporters to avoid hate speech, inflammatory rhetoric and actions that could fuel conflict, emphasising the need for responsible leadership and peaceful coexistence.
Owalo's message adds to growing calls for political tolerance as Kenya prepares for future political contests, with increasing emphasis on ensuring competition remains peaceful and centred on policies rather than confrontation.
His appeal reinforces the argument that expanding economic opportunities for young people, protecting democratic rights and rejecting political violence remain critical to strengthening Kenya's democracy and promoting lasting national unity.