By Michael Nyamai –
Nairobi, Kenya, October 17, 2026 – Leaders have warned that political and ethnic divisions could threaten Kenya’s unity ahead of the 2027 General Election, urging politicians and young people to uphold constitutional values and reject actions that could tear the country apart.
Speaking during the 2026 World Values Day celebrations at Kenya Railways Headquarters in Nairobi, Secretary for National Cohesion and Values Josiah Musili, EBS, called on Kenyans to embrace patriotism, national unity, democracy and public participation as enshrined in Article 10 of the Constitution.
“We can have elections without tearing the country apart. We can have one country even after the elections,” Musili said, stressing that promoting national values was a collective responsibility that extended beyond government.
Student leaders from Nairobi National Polytechnic echoed the call, urging young people to take the lead in fostering peace, accountability and ethnic tolerance as political activities intensify ahead of the polls.
Fred Nyagechi, a student leader at the institution, urged young people to collaborate and take personal responsibility for driving positive change.
“If we want change, change will begin with us. We need to take accountability for ourselves so that we can get the change that is needed,” Nyagechi said.
Teddy Ochieng, Secretary General of the Nairobi National Polytechnic Students’ Leadership, called on Kenyans to promote integrity, work together across ethnic communities and exercise restraint as the country approaches the 2027 elections.
“We need to work together as a team, and we need to promote good values and integrity wherever we are,” Ochieng said, urging citizens to maintain calm and ensure their actions benefit both their communities and the entire nation.
Nairobi National Polytechnic President Jimmy Anaro challenged young people to champion peace, love and unity, warning against divisions during the electioneering period.
“Today we want to spread love, peace and unity. We want to be united as youth because we are approaching the season of election, and in 2027 we need the election to be peaceful,” Anaro said.
The leaders spoke during celebrations themed “Values and Active Citizenship,” calling on citizens to practise constitutional values voluntarily and work collectively to safeguard national cohesion as Kenya approaches the next general election.
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