Sakaja: Misused unemployed youth pose bigger threat to regional security than Al-Qaeda
By Sharon Atieno, July 20, 2026Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has warned that the misuse of unemployed and disillusioned young people by politicians poses a bigger security threat to the region than terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda.
Speaking during a Catholic conference in Nairobi on Monday, July 20, 2026, Sakaja said millions of disengaged young people were vulnerable to manipulation and could be recruited to advance political interests through violence.
“The biggest security challenge in our region is not Al-Shabaab. It is not Al-Qaeda. It is millions of disillusioned, disengaged young people,” Sakaja said.
He said the situation had been worsened by the misuse of young people by politicians, including leaders who should instead be working to create opportunities for them.
“We have seen them being misused locally by politicians, by my colleagues, you know, and many times even some of us are blamed,” he said.
Sakaja calls for action against goonism
Sakaja urged the Church and other institutions to take a leading role in addressing the exploitation of young people and restoring sanity in society.
“And we really must come strong as a Church to bring back sanity and to stop that idea of goonism,” he said.
PHOTO/Bernard Malonza
His remarks came as more than 10,000 young people from across East Africa gathered in Nairobi for a Catholic bishops’ conference focused on unity, hope, justice and good governance.
The conference, held at the Catholic University, brought together youth, religious leaders and politicians to discuss issues affecting young people and the future of the region.
Anyolo urges leaders to listen to youth
Nairobi Archbishop Philip Anyolo said the Church had a responsibility to listen more closely to young people and understand the issues affecting their lives.
“I may say I want to listen more attentively to what the Spirit is telling us through the vibrancy and vitality that comes with youthful society,” Anyolo said.
“Not to pay attention to youthful society, not only smacks of recklessness, but is also tragically irresponsible,” he added.
Mudavadi warns against violence
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi called on young people to reject violence, tribalism and divisive politics.
“I call upon our young people in Kenya and across the region to reject violence, divisive politics and tribalism,” Mudavadi said.
He warned against sacrificing young lives for political interests, saying elections should not undermine the country’s unity and stability.
“No young and promising life should be sacrificed for political expedience. Elections will come and go, but our nation’s unity, stability and future must endure for generations to come,” he said.
The conference came days after Catholic bishops condemned the recruitment and use of young people to perpetrate violence and political disorder.