Pope representative urges state to engage youths in dialogue to end civil unrest

Pope's representative in Kenya, Archbishop Maria Van Megen, during the Murang'a Catholic Diocese Education Day

The Pope’s representative in Kenya, Archbishop Maria van Megen, has urged the government to engage youths in dialogue to quell the unrest experienced in the country recently.

Megen said there is a need for the government to listen to issues raised by youths while observing their rights to life.

He said justice cannot be achieved if the two parties do not to sit and agree on the way forward.

“As a church, we strongly believe that each human being is made in the image of God and needs to be respected in their right to life, dignity, education and work,” Megen said.

He said, though the youth have a right to take to the streets, they have no right to loot and destroy property.

Recent protests left the business community reeling in losses, with Annabel Njambi, proprietor of County Supermarket, saying she incurred losses amounting to Sh200 million when four of her branches in Murang’a and Kirinyaga counties were looted.

Nice Digital City proprietor Njiru Mkombozi said goons broke into his business complex and caused destruction worth Sh50 million while Magunas supermarket branch in Meru was set on fire.

“Young people need to use their right to protest with care and prudence. The more violent you are, the more problems you cause for yourself,” he said.

Megen said the country is in a democratic space that allows the government and youths to come to terms with their duties and rights, and find a solution to emerging challenges.

He spoke during education day for the Murang’a Catholic Diocese that encompasses Murang’a and Kirinyaga counties.

Megen said the church is praying for the country to settle down from the unrest, adding that it will continue supporting the government to provide a better society for everyone.

He underlined the role played by education in shaping lives of children, calling upon parents and teachers to undertake their roles diligently.

“It’s important that parents don’t leave their responsibilities to teachers. Teachers play the role of the second parents, but parents need to know it’s their vocation to support their children. Children build their lives on the shoulders of their parents."