Religious Leaders Turn Spotlight on State Bodies Ahead of 2027 Elections

Story by Evans Mutinda

Religious leaders and key national stakeholders have turned their attention to Kenya’s preparedness for the 2027 General Election, with constitutional and security institutions coming under scrutiny over their ability to deliver a peaceful, credible and democratic poll.

The Kenya Religious Leaders Forum, bringing together the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, Evangelical Alliance of Kenya, Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) and the National Council of Churches of Kenya, is holding a two-day National Stakeholders’ Convention at Ufungamano House in Nairobi.

The forum is assessing the readiness of constitutional bodies and other institutions ahead of the 2027 elections, amid growing calls for stronger safeguards to protect the integrity of the electoral process.

Among the key issues under discussion are electoral preparedness, peace, human rights, accountability and measures to prevent disruptions that could undermine the credibility of the elections.

A high-level panel discussion on Kenya’s preparedness for peaceful and credible elections brought together senior officials and religious leaders to examine the country’s institutional readiness and the role of different stakeholders in safeguarding the democratic process.

The panel includes Dr. Masoud Mwinyi, OGW, SIAG, Principal Deputy to the Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service; Magdalene Ngalyuka, Senior Assistant Director at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions; Prof. Marion Mutungi, a Commissioner at the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights; and Rev. Calisto Odede, Head of CITAM Church.

The stakeholders are also examining strategies to secure the 2027 electoral cycle and prevent political or social tensions from escalating into disruptions before, during and after the vote.

Religious leaders say the responsibility for a peaceful election extends beyond political parties and candidates, requiring concerted action by state institutions, civil society, religious organisations and citizens.

SUPKEM is participating in the convention as a key stakeholder and partner, reaffirming its commitment to promoting peaceful, inclusive, credible and democratic elections.

The convention comes as political and institutional preparations for the 2027 General Election gather pace, placing renewed focus on the capacity and independence of institutions expected to oversee security, justice, human rights and the electoral process.

With memories of past election-related tensions still shaping Kenya’s political landscape, stakeholders are using the convention to push for early intervention, accountability and stronger cooperation among institutions as the country approaches the 2027 polls.