Global Peace Foundation Kenya (GPF Kenya) Country Director, Mr. Daniel Juma Omondi, was delighted to host the Senior Advisor of Negotiations Support Unit, Ms. Aimee Breslow, from the Bureau of Conflicts and Stabilisation Operations at the U.S. State Department on October 2, 2023. Ms. Breslow was joined by Mr. Patrick Koucheravy, the Regional Stabilization Advisor at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi.
This significant visit was prompted by the recent recognition of GPF Kenya by the U.S. State Department as a key partner in their mediation efforts within the region. The central focus of the meeting was to enhance the involvement of interfaith initiatives in Kenya, a strategy aimed at fostering religious tolerance, embracing diversity, and ensuring stability across the nation.
It was acknowledged during the meeting that religion plays a profound role in shaping identities, with a particularly strong influence on all facets of life in Africa. Therefore, it was proposed that religious leaders should assume a more prominent role in fostering peaceful community cohesion, promoting integration and reconciliation, and leading the mediation process in times of conflict.
The discussion also highlighted the necessity for religious leaders to collaborate with the government in regulating and licensing religious interventions. This strategic move is intended to mitigate issues related to indoctrination and radicalization, such as those previously experienced in Shakahola, Kenya. Moreover, religious leaders are expected to champion responsive and accountable leadership at all levels.
GPF Kenya also seized this opportunity to share its contributions towards peace-building efforts in Kenya. These initiatives include the “Election Bila Noma Campaigns” supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission, the “Mkenya Daima Campaign” backed by the Kenya Private Sector Alliance, the Rift Valley Peace Initiative, and the Inter-faith program by PROCMURA.
The meeting culminated with the announcement of a new collaboration framework between GPF Kenya and the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya. This partnership aims to enhance community peaceful cohesion, promote religious tolerance, and prevent youth radicalization and violent extremism.
The partnership with U.S. State Department officials signals a promising turn in the journey towards peace and stability in Kenya. GPF Kenya remains committed to leveraging collaborative efforts in fostering a harmonious and integrated society.