Religious Leaders Call for Urgent Action to Safeguard Kenya’s 2027 Elections

Faith leaders and other stakeholders at the National Stakeholders’ Convention on Democratic, Credible and Peaceful 2027 Elections held at Ufungamano House, Nairobi.

By: Gladys Karuga

Religious leaders, state agencies, civil society organisations and other national stakeholders have called for greater dialogue, accountability and cooperation to safeguard Kenya’s 2027 General Election from political violence, misinformation, electoral malpractice and other emerging threats.

The call came during the National Stakeholders’ Convention on “Democratic, Credible and Peaceful 2027 Elections” held at Ufungamano House in Nairobi, where stakeholders assessed the country’s preparedness for the next General Election and examined measures needed to protect the electoral cycle.

The two-day convention was convened on September 2 and 3, 2026, with the first day taking place on September 2 and the second and final day on September 3. It brought together representatives of religious organisations, constitutional bodies, security agencies, professional associations, civil society organisations and the media to discuss the responsibilities of different actors in ensuring that the 2027 polls are democratic, credible, peaceful and inclusive.

The forum was convened under the Kenya Religious Leaders Forum, bringing together the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, National Council of Churches of Kenya, Evangelical Alliance of Kenya and other faith-based stakeholders.

Discussions on September 3 focused heavily on the risks that could undermine the electoral process, with participants warning that political tension, violence, misuse of state power, campaign financing, misinformation and exclusion of sections of society could threaten public confidence in the elections.

The stakeholders noted that with about 11 months remaining before the 2027 General Election, preparations must begin early and involve citizens, political actors, security agencies, constitutional commissions, religious institutions, civil society and the media.

They pointed to Kenya’s experience during previous elections, particularly the violence associated with the 1997, 2007 and 2017 polls, as a reminder of the consequences of political competition that is not managed peacefully.

Political violence and the mobilisation of young people were identified among the major risks requiring urgent attention. Stakeholders called for investigations, arrests and prosecution of individuals who finance, organise or facilitate political violence, arguing that accountability should extend beyond those directly involved in acts of violence.

Religious leaders also committed themselves to strengthening public messaging against political violence and promoting equal application of the law regardless of political affiliation.

Another major concern was the independence of constitutional institutions and the potential abuse of state power for political purposes. Participants stressed the importance of protecting institutions mandated to oversee elections, security, justice and human rights from political interference.

The convention also raised concerns over the growing influence of money in politics, warning that excessive monetisation of electoral competition could influence candidate selection, political competition and government decision-making.

Stakeholders urged Kenyans to reject electoral bribery and called for greater civic and voter education on the dangers of accepting money and other inducements in exchange for political support.

Religious institutions were encouraged to use their platforms to promote civic education and help citizens understand their constitutional rights and responsibilities ahead of the elections.

Misinformation, disinformation, hate speech and political polarisation were also highlighted as serious threats to the 2027 electoral process.

Participants warned that misleading information and divisive political narratives could manipulate public opinion and deepen ethnic, regional and political divisions. They called for greater public vigilance and efforts to promote accurate information and responsible political communication.

The convention further placed emphasis on the participation of young people, women and persons with disabilities in political leadership and decision-making.

Stakeholders argued that greater inclusion would strengthen Kenya’s democratic institutions and called for the removal of legal, institutional and social barriers that prevent sections of the population from participating fully in political and electoral processes.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission also used the forum to outline its preparations for the 2027 General Election.

Commissioner Dr. Alutalala Mukhwana, representing the IEBC Chairperson, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to conducting a credible, transparent and peaceful election.

“Charting the country’s peaceful path to 2027 requires the religious community and all stakeholders to play their respective roles,” Dr. Mukhwana said.

He called for continued engagement between the electoral commission and stakeholders, urging citizens and institutions to hold the Commission accountable while using dialogue to address concerns surrounding the electoral process.

“Dialogue is essential in ensuring that stakeholders collectively contribute to a peaceful electoral process,” he said.

Security preparedness also featured prominently during the September 3 discussions, with the National Police Service reaffirming its commitment to impartiality, professionalism and accountability throughout the electoral period.

Dr. Masoud Mwinyi, Principal Deputy to the Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service, represented Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja at the convention.

Mwinyi said the police service’s approach would remain anchored on professionalism, impartiality and accountability while upholding discipline, respect for human rights and the rule of law.

He further reaffirmed the National Police Service’s commitment to early security planning and stronger cooperation with government agencies and other stakeholders.

The police leadership stressed that public safety and national security were a collective responsibility, calling on members of the public to cooperate with security agencies by providing information that could help prevent crime and maintain peace.

The convention also brought together representatives from the National Cohesion and Integration Commission, Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and other institutions with responsibilities linked to governance, justice, security and democratic participation.

The panel examined the preparedness of institutions and the wider country for the electoral cycle, while stressing the importance of collaboration, public participation and institutional accountability.

The convention concluded with a strong message that safeguarding Kenya’s democratic future cannot be left to political leaders and state institutions alone.

Religious organisations, civil society, professional bodies, the media and ordinary citizens were urged to play an active role in protecting democratic institutions, promoting national cohesion and ensuring that citizens are able to participate freely and peacefully in the electoral process.

Stakeholders also called for continued consultations throughout the electoral cycle rather than waiting until the election period to address emerging political and security risks.

The forum provided a platform for different institutions to develop strategies, actions and commitments aimed at protecting the integrity of the 2027 electoral process before, during and after the General Election.

As Kenya moves closer to the 2027 polls, the stakeholders maintained that credible elections will require independent institutions, responsible political leadership, professional security services, informed citizens, inclusive participation and sustained national dialogue.

The overall message from the convention was that peace and credibility in 2027 will depend on the collective responsibility of Kenyans and institutions to reject political violence, electoral bribery, hate speech, misinformation and intimidation while defending the constitutional right of every citizen to participate in the democratic process.