The Kikuyu Council of Elders and the Luo Council of Elders have launched a joint initiative aimed at fostering national unity by bringing together elders from all communities to promote peace and social cohesion ahead of the 2027 General Election.

During a consultative forum that brought together elders from the two communities at the Kikuyu Council of Elders headquarters, the leaders expressed concern over what they described as rising political tensions, increasing violence, and reported cases of youth abductions. They urged all leaders to embrace dialogue and restraint to safeguard the country’s stability.

Speaking at the meeting, Kikuyu Council of Elders Chairman Wachira wa Kiago and his Luo counterpart Pius Okero Njagi announced plans to conduct peace missions across all 47 counties. They said the initiative will involve consultations with elders from different communities to spread messages of peace, unity, and national reconciliation.

The elders warned that inflammatory political rhetoric and heightened political temperatures could undermine national cohesion if left unchecked, drawing parallels with the tensions that preceded the 2007/2008 post-election violence.

The leaders also raised concerns over the activities of criminal gangs and insecurity in parts of the country. They alleged that some government officials, including the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and the Principal Secretary in the ministry, should address concerns surrounding the reported emergence of armed groups. The officials have not publicly responded to the allegations.

Kikuyu Council of Elders Secretary General James Nene said the initiative seeks to revive the spirit of cooperation demonstrated by Kenya’s founding leaders, Jomo Kenyatta and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, during the struggle for independence. He said the country is facing significant social, political, and economic challenges that require collective dialogue and peaceful solutions.

Nene noted that threats to peace, political violence, and continued loss of lives remain matters of great concern, adding that elders have a responsibility to consult widely and offer guidance before the situation deteriorates further.

The meeting resolved to expand the peace initiative by engaging elders from all communities across the country, saying they are deeply concerned by the continued deaths of young people and warning that failure to address the situation could have serious consequences for the nation.

Diaspora Chairman Hopkins Ogutu condemned tribalism and political incitement, urging leaders to avoid divisive politics. He emphasized that the historic partnership between the Kikuyu and Luo communities played a significant role in Kenya’s struggle for independence and should serve as a foundation for promoting national unity today.

Ogutu also called on the Principal Secretary in the Interior Ministry to address public concerns regarding individuals seen carrying crude weapons during recent incidents in Kisumu.