Religious leaders from Kisumu County have taken a firm stand against political violence and early electioneering, vowing not to support politicians who engage in hooliganism and disruption ahead of the upcoming November by-elections and the 2027 general elections.
Speaking to the press in Muhoroni, National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) Kisumu chapter chairperson, Bishop Dr. Clement Otieno Oguta, emphasized that Kenya is a democratic country with a functioning constitution that must be respected by all citizens, especially those seeking public office.
“We cannot and will not support any form of violence during primaries or elections,” Dr. Oguta declared. “Aspirants should refrain from hiring goons to intimidate or attack fellow candidates. The church stands firmly against political hooliganism.”
Dr. Oguta further condemned the violent incidents witnessed during the recent ODM party primaries in Kasipul, Homa Bay county, urging the youth to reject any political leader attempting to exploit them for violent ends.
“Youth must refuse to be misused. The power of leadership lies in the hands of the people. As clergy, we urge Kenyans to end gender-based violence and protect the dignity of women, especially during political seasons. No one should be abducted, beaten, or raped in the name of politics,” he said.
Early Campaigns Hurting Development, Warns Cardinal
His Eminence Cardinal Moses Oketch of the Nomiya Church echoed similar concerns, criticizing politicians for engaging in non-stop campaigning instead of focusing on development.
“In Kenya, we have made it a habit to begin political campaigns immediately after elections. This culture distracts elected leaders from fulfilling their promises to the people,” said Cardinal Oketch. “Let us give those in office, including the president, space and time to implement their manifestos. We still have two years left before the next general election.”
He warned that the rising political temperatures in the country were unnecessary and destabilizing. Oketch reminded Kenyans that the 2010 Constitution allows anyone to vie as an independent candidate and questioned why political affiliation should lead to violence or even death.
“If you’re popular, you don’t need to cling to a political party. Use your influence to win as an independent. There’s no justification for killing or attacking each other because of political differences,” he added.
Clergy Call Out Police Over Extra-Judicial Killings
Cardinal Oketch also raised serious concerns about alleged extra-judicial killings, citing the recent death of Simon Warui, who was reportedly arrested in Nairobi and later found dead in Mombasa under police custody.
“In Kenya, the law requires that any arrested individual be presented in court within 48 hours. The death of Simon Warui, and the unresolved case of the late Albert Ojwang, are clear signs that the law is being ignored,” said the Cardinal. “The pattern of enforced disappearances and bodies turning up without accountability is alarming and unacceptable.”
He called on security agencies to uphold the constitution and respect the rule of law, warning that impunity within law enforcement is eroding public trust in justice systems.
A Unified Call for Peace and Accountability
Both clerics appealed to political leaders, security agencies, and the general public to prioritize peace, justice, and national development over chaos and personal ambition. They stressed that sustainable development cannot take place in an environment of fear, violence, and constant political tension.
“Let us lower the political heat and give Kenya the stability it needs. Elections will come and go, but the nation must endure,” Cardinal Oketch concluded.
