Religious leaders, elders, youth and women trained to enhance conflict prevention and promote peaceful elections in Garissa County.
PEACE & COHESION | ASAL POST
GARISSA, Kenya – The Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK) has strengthened efforts to promote peaceful elections by equipping sub-national mediators in Garissa County with skills in conflict prevention, dialogue and community mediation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The capacity-building forum brought together religious leaders, elders, youth representatives, women leaders and other key stakeholders to enhance local peacebuilding mechanisms and strengthen community resilience against election-related conflicts.
Speaking at the forum, IRCK Chairman and Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) Secretary-General Sheikh Abdullahi Salat commended participants for successfully completing the training, describing the programme as a significant step towards fostering peaceful coexistence before, during and after the 2027 polls.
Sheikh Salat underscored the importance of interfaith collaboration, dialogue and inclusive community engagement in safeguarding peace and strengthening national cohesion.
“Peaceful elections require the collective efforts of religious leaders, community elders, youth, women and all stakeholders. Through dialogue and mediation, we can prevent conflicts and build stronger, more united communities,” he said.
The IRCK chairman noted that empowering community mediators would help address emerging disputes early, encourage peaceful dialogue and strengthen public confidence throughout the election period.
The initiative forms part of ongoing national efforts to prepare communities for a peaceful electoral process by promoting mediation, tolerance and civic responsibility at the grassroots level.
The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) welcomed the programme and reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya, government agencies, faith-based organizations and local communities to promote peaceful coexistence, national unity and credible elections.
The training is expected to strengthen Garissa County’s network of peace mediators, who will play a key role in preventing conflicts and encouraging constructive dialogue as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 General Election.
