By Abdullahi Jamaa
Religious leaders in Wajir have urged current and aspiring politicians in Kenya’s northeastern counties to avoid divisive rhetoric, hate speech and conduct they say could undermine peace and social cohesion as the country approaches an election season.
The scholars, led by Northeastern Regional Coordinator of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) Dr. Adan Yunis, made the call during a press briefing in Wajir town on Sunday.
They appealed to politicians and members of the public in Wajir, Garissa and Mandera counties to promote peaceful coexistence and avoid messages that could deepen divisions within communities.
Yunis said politicians should be careful about their public statements and use campaigns to unite communities rather than create tension.
“We are urging politicians, current and aspiring, to watch their tongue,” Yunis said. “Our first request is to ask politicians from Northeastern to unite the communities through peaceful campaigns. They should avoid bringing disunity among the community.”
The religious leaders also urged voters to reject messages they consider inflammatory and called on politicians to conduct themselves in accordance with Islamic values and social norms.
Yunis said the scholars were concerned about what he described as inappropriate conduct during political endorsement events, particularly the practice of men carrying female politicians aloft.
“The other issue we are seeing is immoral campaign behaviours, especially during endorsement functions when men are seen holding and carrying women in an indecent manner,” he said.
He described the practice as a moral concern and called on politicians to stop it during political gatherings and endorsement ceremonies.
The leaders also appealed to the public to use social media responsibly, warning against the spread of hate speech and inflammatory content. They urged users to employ digital platforms constructively during the political period.
Sheikh Hassan Ahmed said politicians should not exploit community differences for political gain, stressing the shared religious, cultural and social ties among people in the region.
“We do not want incitement against the unity of our people,” Ahmed said. “Our people are one, with one religion, culture and tradition with strong and cohesive integration of mutual coexistence.”
Ahmed said aspiring leaders have a right to seek elective positions but should do so without encouraging hostility between communities.
“You are allowed to seek leadership but in the way without inciting the people,” he said, urging politicians to respect peace and cohesion.
The religious leaders also said they would take an active role in discouraging inflammatory political rhetoric during the election period.
“We are voters as religious leaders and we will campaign against any politician who incite the people,” Ahmed said.
The remarks come as political activity increases across Kenya ahead of the next general election, with politicians and prospective candidates expected to intensify public engagements and mobilisation.
The scholars’ concerns centre on the potential impact of political rhetoric and campaign behaviour on relations among communities in Wajir, Garissa and Mandera.
The leaders called on both politicians and voters to exercise restraint, avoid hate speech and maintain peaceful relations throughout the electioneering period.
Their message places religious leaders among community voices seeking to influence the conduct of political campaigns and prevent rhetoric or activities that could threaten cohesion in Northeastern Kenya.
