Church leaders warn of by-election violence ahead of 2027 polls
Church leaders express concerns that recent by-election violence may signal chaos in the upcoming 2027 General Election, urging stronger actions from electoral bodies.
A section of church leaders has expressed concern over the November 27 by-elections, warning that the violence and intimidation witnessed could be a precursor to more widespread chaos in the 2027 General Election.
The Pentecostal churches under the umbrella of Pentecostal Voices of Kenya said the incidents during the mini-polls highlight gaps in preparedness by both the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and security agencies.
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The caucus, led by Chair Peter Manyuru, stated that the unrest recorded in parts of the country cannot be ignored, calling for urgent action ahead of the general election.
“We have come as a church to denounce those acts of violence and malpractice,” Manyuru said during a press conference on Saturday.
Habil Olembo, Secretary General of Pentecostal Voices of Kenya, expressed similar concerns, noting that the disruptions during the by-elections are an indication of potential turmoil in 2027.
“The chaos was worrying, and it is an indication of the turmoil we are likely to witness in 2027. Elections are supposed to be a substitute for violence and anarchy,” Olembo said.
The leaders highlighted specific instances of malpractice, including bribery and intimidation of electoral officials. Olembo pointed to Mbeere North as an example, saying, “In Mbeere North, we witnessed reports of blatant bribery and misuse of state machinery,” while also noting attacks on polling stations in Kasipul constituency, Homa Bay County.
During the campaigns in Kasipul, goons reportedly stormed polling centres, attacking voters and assaulting Homa Bay MP Peter Kaluma at Agoro Sare. The violence led to two deaths, prompting the IEBC to summon candidates Boyd Were of ODM and independent Philip Aroko, imposing fines of Sh1 million each.
The church leaders criticised the penalties as insufficient, urging the commission to take stronger action.
“We would like the IEBC to take stronger action. It should not be just warnings or fines. The IEBC should go further and bar them from holding any elective position,” Manyuru said.
Olembo added, “We call upon all concerned government agencies, IEBC and NCIC, to be firm and proactive. They should not turn a blind eye in pursuit of government-allied politicians.”
The religious caucus also urged the youth to register as voters and actively participate in the electoral process, arguing that greater civic engagement can help prevent violence and ensure credible elections.
The day of the by-elections was marked by widespread unrest in several areas, including Malava, Kasipul and Banisa, where clashes broke out, vehicles were torched, and youths suspected of disrupting the voting process were arrested.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon condemned the incidents, saying no individual or group has the right to compromise the safety, security or integrity of the electoral process. He added that the commission was working closely with security agencies to swiftly identify the perpetrators and hold them accountable.
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