The National Council of Churches
of Kenya (NCCK) has condemned politicians engaging in early campaigns for
the 2027 general elections, warning that the ongoing rallies are fueling hate
speech, division and possible violence.
The Council expressed concern that
some leaders and aspirants have shifted focus from governance and service
delivery to premature electioneering two years before the polls.
“Quite regrettably, politicians and
aspirants have embarked on early campaigns for the 2027 general elections
despite them being two years away,” the NCCK Kilifi branch said.
“Worse still, these campaigns are
riddled with hate speech, radicalisation and other forms of public incitement.
We strongly condemn these individuals who are setting up the nation for
violence and chaos.”
The Church leaders urged Kenyans to
reject divisive rhetoric and refuse to be used by politicians to incite ethnic
or political hostility.
“We call upon Kenyans to refuse to
listen or follow anyone who provokes them against other people,” the Council
said, emphasising the need for peace and unity.
The NCCK further accused law
enforcement agencies of laxity in enforcing laws, alleging that corruption has
replaced accountability.
“The people of Kenya are now realising
the true meaning of Proverbs 22:7; the rich rule over the poor, and the
borrower is a servant to the lender,” the leaders added.
The Council also criticised Members
of Parliament who spend time politicking at funerals instead of performing
their legislative duties.
“We demand that the members of
parliament for our counties stop speaking in burials and instead go to
Parliament and revoke the oppressive laws that have been passed in the recent
past,” NCCK said.
“The citizens are watching and will
use this as a detriment in the coming elections.”
In its appeal, the NCCK called for
greater inclusivity and citizen participation in electoral processes, including
by-elections, noting that democracy thrives on active involvement by all.
“We are asking for good governance,
inclusion and participation. We are also asking for women, men, and our
children to be able to participate in the by-elections,” the Council urged.
The warning comes amid growing
political activity across the country, with various leaders already holding
public rallies and making 2027 campaign pronouncements despite official
campaigns being years away.
The Independent Electoral and
Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and other oversight bodies have yet to issue
guidelines on early campaigns, but civil society groups and religious
institutions have increasingly voiced concern over rising political tension and
hate speech.
The NCCK’s message adds to a series of recent calls from faith leaders urging restraint and adherence to electoral laws to safeguard peace and national cohesion ahead of the next general election.
