ACK Clergy in Kisii call for peaceful 2027 elections, reject political violence
The Mt Kenya Times 
Clergy from the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK), Diocese of Upper Southern Nyanza during a press briefing have urged political leaders and Kenyans to reject violence, intimidation and divisive rhetoric ahead of the 2027 General Election. Photo/Elizabeth Angira
By Elizabeth Angira
Clergy from the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK), Diocese of Upper Southern Nyanza, have called on political leaders and Kenyans to reject violence, intimidation and divisive rhetoric ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Led by Diocesan Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr John Orina Omangi, the clergy urged political leaders, candidates and their supporters to embrace peaceful political competition and respect the democratic rights of every Kenyan.
Following a clergy chapter meeting at ACK St Philip’s Cathedral in Kisii, the church leaders said the country must approach the election period with courage, compassion and a commitment to the common good.
They emphasised that political disagreements should not undermine peaceful coexistence, noting that Kenyans remain neighbours and members of the same communities regardless of their political affiliations.
“We call upon candidates, campaigns, public officials, civic organisations, news media and community leaders to reject threats, harassment, intimidation, dehumanising rhetoric and violence, regardless of their source, target or stated purpose,” the statement reads.
The clergy also urged eligible voters to participate in the electoral process by making informed decisions guided by their conscience and concern for vulnerable and marginalised members of society.
They noted that civic participation goes beyond voting, encouraging citizens to engage in public affairs, support their neighbours and promote peaceful participation in democratic processes.
The church leaders further called for free, accessible and peaceful elections, insisting that every eligible voter should be able to participate without fear, discrimination or intimidation.
They also cautioned against the spread of misinformation and unverified claims, warning that false information could create fear, discourage voter participation and undermine public trust in the electoral process.
The clergy encouraged Kenyans to rely on credible sources of information, verify claims before sharing them and correct misinformation whenever it occurs.
They further urged the public to remain patient during vote counting, tallying and verification, noting that election-night projections should not be mistaken for final results.
According to the statement, legitimate concerns and legal challenges should be addressed through established electoral and judicial procedures rather than threats, coercion or interference.
The clergy also warned against the misuse of religion to advance political interests or justify violence, saying faith should unite communities rather than create divisions.
They rejected attempts to use religious authority to endorse particular candidates or political parties, or portray political opponents as enemies who no longer deserve dignity and respect.
“Faith communities have a responsibility to lower the temperature without lowering our commitment to truth, justice and the protection of our neighbours,” the statement added.
The church leaders pledged to promote informed, peaceful and nonpartisan political participation, share accurate information, resist rumours and support people who experience intimidation, discrimination or threats.
They also committed to providing spaces for prayer, dialogue, listening and healing while standing with vulnerable members of society.
The clergy stressed that the responsibility of Kenyans to one another should not end after elections, urging communities to continue working together regardless of the outcome.
They observed that even after political campaigns and voting are over, Kenyans will still share neighbourhoods, raise families, worship together and support one another.
“Whatever results emerge from lawful electoral processes, we will continue to live alongside one another. We will worship, work, learn, serve, raise our families and care for those in need,” the statement said.
The ACK leaders called on Kenyans to put love for their neighbours above political divisions and ensure that communities remain places where people can participate freely, disagree respectfully and work together for the common good.
They concluded by urging the country to embrace truth, justice and peace before, during and after the elections, noting that national unity must remain a shared responsibility.
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