Likoni: Church leaders in Likoni have called on youth in the area to embrace peace and shun political violence ahead of the 2027 General Election, following a Sunday disturbance outside a church that left two people injured. Reverend Peter Omondi Ojondo, host pastor of the Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG) Likoni church, urged young people to prioritise their lives and the country’s stability over short-term political gains, warning that no amount of money could compensate for loss of life.
According to Kenya News Agency, Ojondo emphasized the importance of understanding that the nation is more significant than any individual and that monetary incentives cannot equate to the value of life. He appealed to the youth to maintain peace as the country approaches the next general election. His comments were made after a confrontation broke out among rival groups of political supporters outside the church during the closing ceremony of the National Youth Week, organized by PAG Kenya South Coast District.
The eve
nt gathered youth from 33 affiliated churches and attracted political leaders, including nominated senator Miraj Abdillahi, area MP Mishi Mboko, and several aspirants for Member of County Assembly (MCA) seats. Although the church service proceeded without incident, a scuffle erupted outside among supporters who had accompanied the leaders. Ojondo intervened when he noticed a heated exchange, which briefly escalated before a security team managed to calm the crowd and order non-congregants to leave the compound.
Two individuals were injured during the incident, including a driver for Ziwa la Ng’ombe MCA aspirant Mercy Masi, who was kicked while attempting to enter the compound, and a church security guard struck on the arm during a struggle at the gate. Bishop Ephraim Juma of PAG Kenya South Coast District stated that the congregation inside the church became aware of the disturbance only after hearing a single gunshot fired outside, but the service concluded peacefully without further incident.
Bishop Juma
highlighted Likoni’s history as a peaceful area that has hosted numerous political and government leaders without disturbances. He attributed the chaos to a few individuals infiltrating the gathering and not the broader youth population. Juma warned against mimicking violent behavior seen in other regions, stressing that such actions lead to suffering among the youth and distress for their families and communities.
He urged aspirants for elective seats to take responsibility for their supporters by identifying and distancing themselves from individuals inciting violence, as these elements threaten to tarnish Likoni’s reputation for peace and unity. The church leaders confirmed that the matter had been reported to police, with Likoni Sub-County Police Commander Joseph Chalo Mutungi stating that investigations were ongoing and all parties involved had been directed to record their statements.
