LSK launches push for peaceful 2027 polls in Kisumu

Sarah Agong, the project team lead for the Promotion of Peaceful and Accountable Electoral Participation/Faith Matete 

Grace Otieno, Chairperson of the LSK West Kenya Region/Faith Matete 

Easter Okech from the Kenya Female Advisory Organisation (KeFEADO)/Faith Matete 

The Law Society of Kenya has launched a sensitisation forum in Kisumu aimed at strengthening peaceful and accountable electoral participation ahead of the 2027 General Election.

 The initiative, supported by the Canadian High Commission, seeks to address longstanding patterns of election-related violence in Kisumu and promote stronger collaboration between community members, advocates and duty bearers.

 According to Sarah Agong, the project team lead for the Promotion of Peaceful and Accountable Electoral Participation, Kisumu was chosen as a pilot county due to its history of electoral unrest.

 Agong said the project intends to set a benchmark for other counties by building community champions who understand election processes and reject violence as a form of political expression.

“This project is very timely, especially after what we witnessed during the recent by-elections. We want to avoid the trend of violence and instead sensitise community members and advocates on the importance of peaceful polls,” she said.

She added that the programme aims to establish a strong link between advocates and grassroots leaders to ensure peace messaging is sustained up to and beyond 2027.

 Agong noted gaps that must still be addressed, particularly the need to involve key duty bearers such as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, police and local administrators.

 “We cannot have these conversations in isolation. With more funding, we hope to expand the project and create direct engagement forums with institutions that hold electoral responsibilities,” she said.

 LSK Kisumu Chapter chair Dorcas Oluoch said the forum offers a platform for advocates to fulfill their role in promoting civic awareness, strengthening the rule of law and ensuring democratic standards are upheld.

 “As LSK, we are ready to take up our responsibilities not just as risk champions, but as defenders of good governance and proper democracy,” she said.

 Oluoch added that many advocates are preparing to serve as election observers, risk monitors, or even seek positions within electoral institutions to contribute to credible polls.

 She emphasised that the LSK will continue engaging persons with disabilities, community groups and non-governmental organisations to address concerns raised during the discussions.

 “We want the voice of the mwananchi to be heard not only on election day but throughout the entire process,” Oluoch said.

 LSK West Kenya region chairperson Grace Otieno said the forum marks the beginning of deeper collaboration between lawyers, media and civil society in promoting early election preparedness.

 “For a long time, Nyanza has been associated with electoral violence, but it is time we demystify that narrative. If we empower citizens with information and safe channels to report malpractice, we can change the story,” she said.

 Otieno added that the LSK is committed to building a platform that engages IEBC, the police and all stakeholders involved in elections to ensure a united front toward free, fair and peaceful polls.

 Civil society organisations also expressed concern about voter apathy, particularly among young people.

 Easter Okech from the Kenya Female Advisory Organisation said many youths no longer see value in elections and must be encouraged to participate.

 “Voting is a right and participation is the only way citizens can influence change. We want young people to know their voice matters,” she said.

 Okech added that civil society will continue monitoring early warning and early response systems to identify and address potential triggers of electoral conflict.

 The sensitisation forum runs for three days and is expected to produce a network of trained community-based champions who will help spread peace messaging across Kisumu.