National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has appealed for national unity and reconciliation as Kenya faces heightened political tension fuelled by youth-led protests and economic discontent.

Speaking during a Sunday Holy Mass at Christ the King Cathedral in Bungoma on June 22, 2025, Wetang’ula called on leaders and citizens to embrace humility, prayer, and service to steer the country through its current turmoil.

“As a nation, we must walk in love, remain prayerful, and stay committed to serving God and our people,” Wetang’ula said, drawing from the day’s homily delivered by Fr. Mambo Collins. The priest emphasised faith, servant leadership, and the importance of upholding human dignity—values that the speaker echoed during his address.

The service was attended by a cross-section of political leaders, clergy, and congregants who offered special prayers for the country. The event came against the backdrop of recent anti-government demonstrations led by Gen Z protestors, with several cities witnessing tension-filled standoffs between youth and law enforcement.

Wetang’ula urged the younger generation to channel their energy towards dialogue rather than confrontation. “Let us not allow anger and frustration to erode our sense of nationhood. Reason and reconciliation must prevail,” he said.

His message comes at a time when growing discontent over governance, rising costs of living, and contentious political decisions have sparked unrest.

Wetang’ula reminded the faithful of Kenya’s resilience and the role of inclusive dialogue in restoring stability. Analysts have likened the current climate to that period, citing the need for structured mediation and responsive leadership.

This comes as the country braces for protests planned for June 25, 2025, a day set aside to commemorate the 2024 Gen Z uprising—a pivotal youth-led movement that captured national attention when demonstrators stormed Parliament during deliberations on the controversial Finance Bill 2024. The upcoming demonstrations aim to honour the memory of those who were killed, injured, or traumatised during the clashes with police, which were widely condemned for their excessive use of force and the tragic loss of life.

With Kenyan activist and photojournalist Boniface Mwangi launching a poster campaign ahead of the June 25, 2025, protests, he noted that the campaign is aimed at sensitising Kenyans on the importance of turning out to remember those who lost their lives during last year’s Gen Z demonstrations and to demand justice.

With the church increasingly seen as a neutral ground for reflection and healing, Sunday’s Mass served not only as a spiritual moment but also as a subtle call for calm. Whether Wetang’ula’s message will resonate beyond the cathedral remains to be seen, but it reflects a bid to restore sanity through faith and national conversation.