NCCK and Stakeholders Raise Alarm Over Rising Political Risks Ahead of 2027 Elections

Religious leaders, constitutional agencies, professional bodies and civil society organisations have raised concerns over growing political tensions ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election, calling for urgent measures to safeguard the electoral process and prevent violence.

The concerns were contained in a communiqué issued at the conclusion of a two-day National Stakeholders Convention held at Ufungamano House in Nairobi from September 2–3, 2026. The convention brought together representatives from six umbrella religious institutions, seven constitutional agencies, five professional bodies and 21 civil society organisations to assess the country’s preparedness for credible, peaceful and democratic elections.

The stakeholders identified five major risks to the 2027 electoral cycle: political violence and youth exploitation, institutional capture and abuse of state power, the influence of money and opaque campaign financing, misinformation and ethnic polarisation, as well as the exclusion of youth, women and persons with disabilities from leadership.

The delegates expressed concern over what they described as the growing normalisation of political violence and goonism, warning that selective policing and political protection of violent groups could undermine the credibility and safety of the electoral process. Religious leaders pledged to campaign for the speedy and equal investigation, arrest and prosecution of individuals involved in financing or organising political violence.

The convention also raised concerns over political donations to religious institutions, warning that such financial influence could compromise the independence of faith leaders and weaken their ability to speak truthfully on matters affecting the country. Religious umbrella bodies said they would mobilise congregations to resist political manipulation and promote transparent and, where appropriate, anonymous giving within places of worship.

On campaign financing, the stakeholders warned that the increasing monetisation of Kenyan politics threatens democratic participation and risks turning elections into contests dominated by wealthy individuals and powerful elites. They committed to intensifying civic and voter education through religious institutions to empower citizens to make informed choices and reject election bribery.

The convention further identified misinformation, hate speech and political and ethnic polarisation as major threats to national cohesion. Religious leaders said they would work with other stakeholders to develop positive narratives and establish fact-checking mechanisms to help citizens access credible information during the election period.

The stakeholders also highlighted the continued underrepresentation of young people, women and persons with disabilities in leadership. They called for deliberate measures to increase their participation in elective and appointive positions and pledged to review policies and practices that prevent the three groups from accessing leadership and decision-making spaces.

The convention urged Kenyans to actively participate in democratic and governance processes, warning that violence, intimidation, abductions and other forms of political coercion could be used to discourage citizens from exercising their constitutional rights.

The stakeholders called on Kenyans to reject election bribery and scrutinise the sources of campaign money, arguing that political financing can create obligations that ultimately influence government contracts and public resource allocation after elections.

As the country heads towards the 2027 General Election, the convention called for collective responsibility among citizens, political leaders, state institutions, religious organisations, civil society and other stakeholders to protect democracy, strengthen accountability and promote peaceful political participation.

The communiqué concluded with an appeal for Kenyans to look beyond individual interests and work towards building a better and more inclusive country, stressing that safeguarding the nation's democratic future is a responsibility shared by every citizen.