Renowned legal scholar and governance expert PLO Lumumba has challenged students to be agents of peace in the country and in the region for a better future.
The scholar maintained that young people must lead with values, purpose and integrity adding that they should be ready to harness sports diplomacy as a tool for regional cohesion.
Prof Lumumba spoke at Zetech University, Mang’u Campus, Juja constituency during the East Africa Sports Diplomacy Youth Tournament-Play for Peace that was held in collaboration with Sun Rays Foundation.
The event brought together young leaders from Kenya, Rwanda, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo and Netherlands alongside Uganda, Ethiopia and South Sudan envoys, sports enthusiasts, institutional partners and community stakeholders.
PLO Lumumba (in green reflector) leads in commissioning the cycling for peace event. Photo John Kamau
Prof Lumumba led in officially commissioning the cycling for peace tournament reinforcing the role of youth-driven action in advancing peace through sports.
The event follows heightened political activities in neighboring countries including Uganda and Tanzania. Kenya is also entering a season of heightened political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections and peace is paramount for the country’s socio-economic and political stability.
He urged African youth to abandon tribal politics, reject corruption, and embrace ethical leadership to transform the continent. “Our youth must not allow themselves to be used by politicians to advance ethnic agendas, nor should they accept the status quo of corruption. I’m challenging them to start doing things differently, be agents of peace and conduits of harmony for the sake of our country and continent,” he said.
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He emphasized that young people must shift from passive complaining to proactive, value-driven governance to prevent national retrogression and secure a better future.
“Leadership should be determined by integrity, capability, and merit rather than political patronage or tribal affiliations. I encouraged the youth to take up roles in governance and actively shape the nation’s future rather than waiting for change,” he quipped.
Similar sentiments were echoed by John Mwai, the University Director of Corporate Affairs and Marketing, who reiterated that students and young ones must rise up to the occasion and be ambassadors of national cohesion.
He quipped that the university has identified sports as a certain mode of spreading peace across the country and the region adding that similar sporting events will be rolled out throughout the year.
“The things we have encouraged our young people in the region is to be the agents of peace and refrain from being used by individuals to further their selfish interest that disrupts peace especially as the country is heading into a heightened political season,” Mwai said.
By John Kamau
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