Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Ida Odinga, has issued a strong appeal to young people to reject violence, warning against the destruction of schools and urging learners to embrace education as a path to a better future.

Speaking at the burial of Prof. Jacob Midiwo on Saturday, June 20, 2026, Ida expressed concern over rising incidents of youth being drawn into violent behaviour, saying schools remain critical institutions for shaping responsible citizens.

“Young people, I am talking to you with a lot of pain. Please aim higher, aim higher so that you become somebody in society,” she said.

She cautioned learners against engaging in destructive acts, particularly school unrest and violence, insisting that education remains the foundation of personal and national development.

“Please if you see that education is hard for you, just park your things and go back home. Don’t burn the schools; schools are sharpening people to be somebody in the future,” she said.

Parents must guide their children

Ida also called on parents to take greater responsibility in guiding their children, warning that unchecked behaviour among the youth could have long-term consequences.

“I am called min piny, even goons are just my children but don’t stop doing bad things so that you can be a good child. Goon is not a good name and no parent wants his or her own child to be a goon,” she said.

She urged families to actively engage with their children, especially those in school, to discourage involvement in violence and destructive conduct.

“Parents talk to your children who are in school,” she added.

Growing concern over youth-linked violence

The concerns were amplified after International Commission of Jurists Kenya condemned the violent disruption of a civic forum at All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi on June 16, describing it as a direct attack on constitutional freedoms and democratic participation.

“The attack was not merely an assault on those present; it constituted a direct attack on the constitutional rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association, public participation, and civic engagement,” ICJ Kenya said.

The incident has since reignited debate on rising goonism, with increasing calls for authorities to crack down on organised groups accused of violence and intimidation as the country moves closer to the 2027 General Election.

Call for discipline and responsible citizenship

Ida emphasized that Kenya’s future depends on disciplined, educated and focused young people who can contribute positively to society rather than being drawn into unrest.

Her remarks come amid growing concern over youth involvement in protests and school-related disturbances, with leaders increasingly calling for calm, dialogue and constructive engagement.

The message at the burial of Prof. Midiwo was widely seen as a call for reflection on the role of education, family responsibility, and youth discipline in shaping the country’s future.