As Kenya moves closer to the 2027 General Election, concerns over rising political tensions and violence are growing, prompting religious leaders to call for restraint and peaceful political competition.
The Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK), Jackson Ole Sapit, has urged political leaders and their supporters to embrace tolerance and reject violence during election preparations. Speaking in Homa Bay during a thanksgiving ceremony for the ACK South Nyanza Diocese, Sapit expressed concern about violent incidents at political gatherings, warning that continued clashes threaten national peace and unity.
His remarks follow recent violence in Embu County, where two people died and six vehicles were set on fire during political activities. This incident occurred just a month after a similar confrontation in Homa Bay, where two people lost their lives and six vehicles were destroyed during a meeting linked to the Linda Mwananchi movement.
These incidents have renewed fears of a return to election-related violence. Historically, electoral conflicts in Kenya have led to loss of life, property destruction, family displacement, and deep-seated community divisions.
In response, Archbishop Sapit called for politicians involved in inciting violence to be held accountable. He urged candidates seeking elective positions to prioritize national interests over personal ambitions to ensure campaigns do not tear the country apart.
Sapit also expressed concern over the exploitation of young people in political conflict, urging youth to reject money offered by politicians to disrupt rallies. Instead, he encouraged them to focus on sustainable economic opportunities rather than allowing themselves to become tools in political rivalries that risk injury, arrest, or loss of life.
Turning to governance, the Archbishop emphasized respect for the rule of law and the fair resolution of political disputes. He urged the Judiciary to remain independent and decide cases in strict accordance with the Constitution. Additionally, he challenged leaders to fight corruption and improve public service delivery to maintain public confidence.
Finally, Sapit reminded religious leaders of their duty to remain politically neutral, stressing that the church’s role is to offer moral guidance and foster peaceful coexistence rather than participate in partisan divisions.
As campaigns gear up, the call for peace highlights a shared responsibility among political leaders, religious bodies, young people, and citizens. While election campaigns last only a few months, the consequences of political violence can linger for years. Ultimately, Kenya’s future depends not just on who wins at the ballot box, but on ensuring the journey there does not cost lives or compromise national stability.
