Bishop urges youth to shun protests, register as voters

Catholic Bishop of Kakamega, Joseph Obanyi, has urged young people to stay away from planned protests over the fuel crisis.

He instead called for a renewed focus on voter registration as the most effective way of driving change.

Obanyi said while recent increases in fuel prices are expected to push up the cost of living and affect a wide range of commodities, street demonstrations would not offer lasting solutions.

He said protests organised by political actors seeking office often fail to resolve the underlying challenges facing Kenyans and instead risk resulting in loss of life.

“What’s important is to look for solutions to the high cost of living affecting Kenyans. Those still keen to participate in demonstrations can go on, but that will not solve the problem,” Obanyi said.

The bishop also faulted tough remarks from government officials who have warned that the planned demonstrations are illegal, saying such statements do not help to ease tensions.

Instead, Obanyi said the focus should be on the ongoing voter registration exercise, which he described as the most important national activity at the moment.

He urged young people to take advantage of it to influence future leadership.

“If anything, this is not the time for demonstrations but for voter registration. The time is now,” the cleric said.

Obanyi said the church has rolled out programmes across the diocese to encourage youth participation in voter registration, with teams set to visit various areas as the exercise nears its end.

He said church officials will continue engaging young people at the grassroots level to emphasise civic responsibility and peaceful participation in governance.

“We are going to different places urging young people to register. We want to walk with the youth. They should not go to the streets,” he said.

He said if demonstrations become necessary in future, such guidance would be communicated at the appropriate time, but stressed that current efforts should prioritise registration.

Obanyi encouraged young people not to lose hope, saying meaningful change can only be achieved through the ballot.

“Let’s not give up but register as voters and elect leaders of our choice. The youth have the capacity to bring about meaningful change,” he said.