Kisumu: The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has issued a stern warning to politicians against initiating premature campaigns for the 2027 General Election. They caution that such activities are contributing to national polarization and could lead to instability at a time when Kenyans are grappling with economic challenges.
According to Kenya News Agency, church leaders from Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, and Nyamira counties gathered in Kisumu for a two-day regional electoral and governance forum. They accused political leaders of prioritizing campaigns and engaging in hate speech and incitement instead of focusing on serving the citizens, despite the election being two years away.
Rt. Rev. Titus Oduokoda, Deputy Chairperson of NCCK in the Nyanza region, condemned the rising tensions and disregard for the law by politicians. He emphasized the need for discipline in politics to ensure the survival of democracy and called on relevant bodies such as the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), and the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) to take decisive action against those inciting violence.
Rev. Oduokoda demanded that agencies punish parties whose members engage in violence or hate speech, warning against a repeat of politically-induced chaos. The church leaders expressed concern over the return to early politicking amid widespread unemployment, business failures, and rising poverty.
The forum’s resolution highlighted the worsening conditions for citizens in both rural and urban areas compared to the previous year. NCCK officials also raised alarms over the low voter registration numbers, noting that only 90,000 new voters have been registered since the start of the national mass registration drive, and warned of the potential impact of voter apathy on future leadership.
Rev. Oduokoda reminded that Kenya’s constitutional democracy relies on universal suffrage and urged young people to register as voters, emphasizing the sacrifices made during past demonstrations. Bishop Dalmas Oleko, NCCK Kisumu County Vice Chair, echoed these sentiments, voicing concerns over the government’s direction and urging for genuine public participation in policymaking.
Bishop Oleko stressed the importance of engaging with citizens beyond formalities, advocating for meaningful involvement in decisions affecting the nation. The church leaders concluded with a call for justice, tolerance, and peace as Kenya approaches another election period.
