Nairobi:Religious leaders have issued a call to political figures to abstain from hate speech, ethnic mobilization, and violence as the 2027 General Election approaches. They warned that inflammatory rhetoric, misinformation, and increasing political intolerance pose a threat to national cohesion.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Interreligious Council of Kenya (IRCK) has urged politicians to focus on issue-based campaigns, respect the electoral calendar, and avoid using young people to intimidate opponents or disrupt political activities. During a joint statement release at Ufungamano House in Nairobi, Archbishop Dr. Geoffrey Njuguna emphasized the responsibility of political leaders to promote decency and unity, cautioning against exploiting ethnic and religious identities for political gain.
The religious leaders stressed the importance of adhering to the Electoral Code of Conduct and honoring peace commitments. They also highlighted the need for political leaders to refrain from financing or spreading fake news and AI-generated misinformation. The official campaign period is set to begin on May 29, 2027, and political actors are called to respect this timeline.
Sheikh Yusuf Abu Hamza condemned the harassment, intimidation, and censorship of journalists, noting the critical role they play in informing the electorate. He urged media houses to maintain professional ethics and cautioned against sensational reporting and the spread of hate speech.
Reverend Charles Kilonzi called on electoral management bodies to enhance public confidence through transparency and accountability. He pointed out the progress made by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) but also raised concerns about funding gaps and delayed electoral reforms.
Zaheer Abbas Khimji advocated for stronger measures against ethnic profiling and political incitement while commending the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) for its actions against hate speech. He called for the law to be applied equally, regardless of political affiliation.
Sujatha Kotamraju announced that the IRCK would utilize religious platforms to promote peace and civic education throughout the electoral period. The council plans to develop a guide for electing leaders based on values and facilitate grassroots interfaith dialogue.
Reverend Kephas Nyandega highlighted the collective responsibility of citizens, political leaders, and institutions to maintain peace. He announced the formation of a National Peace and Mediation Team to be deployed at national and county levels to resolve disputes before they escalate.
The religious leaders emphasized the need for all stakeholders to work together to ensure a free, fair, credible, and peaceful election.
