Religious Leaders Call for Peace and Institutional Accountability Ahead of 2027 Polls
NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 9 – Religious leaders under the umbrella of the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK) have issued a stern call for national tranquility, political tolerance, and transparent electoral governance ahead of the August 10, 2027 General Election.
While addressing the media on 5th November 2026 at Ufungamano House in Nairobi, representatives across Christian, Muslim, and Hindu faiths expressed grave concern over heightening political rhetoric, economic distress, and persistent public distrust in key state institutions.
They noted with concern that the 2027 electoral cycle is unfolding amid widespread public anxiety. Households are struggling with a high cost of living and rising public debt exceeding KSh 13 trillion, while many young people remain unemployed.
Further, public trust in electoral institutions remains low, and the loss of life during recent street protests remains fresh in the memory of many families.
Citing warnings from the Kofi Annan Foundation’s Electoral Vulnerability Index regarding potential localized election-related unrest, the clergy highlighted the urgent need to address underlying economic and political triggers.
”An election is a contest of ideas, not a battle between communities,” the council stated. “We therefore appeal to all Kenyans to remain calm, tolerant, and united. Your neighbor of a different tribe, faith, or political persuasion is not your enemy.”
Addressing Kenyan youth specifically, the IRCK urged young people to reject attempts by political actors to hire them for violence or disruption.
”Do not let anyone hire you to cause chaos and disruptions, for your future is too valuable to be traded for a day’s wage,” they warned. “Instead, register, vote, and hold leaders to account through the ballot.”
The council called upon security agencies to remain strictly neutral and professional urging officers to protect the lives and property of every citizen and candidate equally, manage campaign events with respect for human rights, and active dismantle politically linked militias and criminal gangs.
Additionally, they urged all political leaders, aspirants, and their supporters to adopt language that unites rather than divides the nation. All parties must refrain from hate speech, ethnic contempt, incitement, and derogatory language against any community, gender, faith, or persons with disabilities.
Highlighting that Kenyans are seeking concrete solutions to the cost of living, unemployment, and declining public services, the council insisted political leaders sell policy solutions rather than fear and division.
“We urge all political actors to respect the law and the electoral calendar by observing the Electoral Code of Conduct now in force, bearing in mind that official campaigns begin on May 29, 2027,” they said.
“We ask them to sign and honor peace commitments and refuse to recruit or finance young people for political intimidation.”
”Political leaders must stop creating, sharing, or paying for fake news and AI-generated deepfakes, as every leader will be held accountable for what is said and posted in their name.”
The council also voiced deep concern over shrinking civic space in Kenya, pointing to recent incidents involving the arrest and intimidation of journalists performing their duties.”A free and unhindered press is the lifeblood of a transparent electoral process,” the clergy affirmed.
“We strongly condemn all forms of harassment, intimidation, or censorship directed at media houses and journalists. We call upon the government, security agencies, and all political factions to unconditionally protect media practitioners and guarantee their safety as they fulfill their constitutional mandate to inform the public.”
Turning to newsrooms, the clergy reminded media houses and journalists that freedom of expression comes with a responsibility to the public.
In the current politically charged atmosphere, they called for balanced reporting, professional integrity, and responsible journalism that prioritizes national cohesion over sensationalism.
”The media must refuse to be used as a tool for spreading hate speech, misinformation, or divisive propaganda, We urge journalists to remain impartial arbiters of truth, ensuring the Kenyan electorate is equipped with objective information that fosters peace, stability, and a democratic transition”, they noted.
The IRCK commended the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) for investigating senior national and county leaders suspected of hate speech.
They urged the National Police Service, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), and the Judiciary to collaborate to ensure hate speech cases are concluded expeditiously and without political bias.
Subsquently, they called for adequate funding for the NCIC and other constitutional bodies to enable them to execute their mandates effectively.
This includes expanding county-level presence, building capacity to monitor online hate speech in local languages, and strengthening early-warning networks linking the commission, security agencies, faith leaders and local peace committees.
To support national stability throughout the 2027 electoral cycle, the IRCK announced three operational commitments
Voter and Civic Education: Utilizing churches, mosques, and temples to distribute guides focused on electing value-driven leaders.
Grassroots Peace Forums: Partnering with local peace committees to resolve community-level political friction.
National Peace and Mediation Team (NPMT): Deploying an independent body of trusted religious and non-religious mediators nationwide to work alongside the NCIC and the Uwiano Platform for Peace to defuse tensions before, during, and after party nominations and elections.
“Kenya belongs to all of us, and peace is the responsibility of every citizen, leader, and institution, Let us approach the 2027 General Election as one nation, competing on ideas and accepting the will of the people.”
