Religious Leaders Demand New Approach to Kenya’s 2027 Election Preparedness

Macharia David 

Taifa leo news 

Religious leaders have called for a major shift in Kenya’s approach to election preparedness, warning that credible and peaceful 2027 polls will depend on what constitutional institutions and security agencies do now—not in the final months before voting day.

The call came during the National Stakeholders Convention at Ufungamano House in Nairobi, where the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, Evangelical Alliance of Kenya and the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) brought together stakeholders to deliberate on the country’s readiness for the 2027 General Election.

The two-day convention, held on September 2–3, placed the preparedness of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), security agencies and other constitutional institutions at the centre of deliberations.

At the heart of the discussions is a demand for visible change in election preparedness. Religious leaders want institutions to move away from last-minute interventions and adopt early, coordinated and transparent preparations that can withstand political pressure and build public confidence.

The IEBC has already begun preparations for the 2027 polls, including presenting its electoral reforms and preparedness plans to a Senate committee and engaging development partners and the Ministry of Interior.

IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon has also outlined the Commission’s election-readiness framework, stressing the need for a credible, transparent, believable and peaceful election.

However, the deliberations at Ufungamano are seeking more than assurances. Stakeholders want the Commission to demonstrate that preparations are translating into action, including adequate voter registration, effective voter education, reliable electoral technology, sufficient personnel and equipment, transparent results management and early resolution of electoral disputes.

Security preparedness has emerged as another critical area.

Representing Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja, Deputy Inspector-General of the Administration Police Service Dr Masoud Mwinyi said the National Police Service is committed to professionalism, impartiality and accountability during the electoral period.

The police have also emphasized early security planning and closer coordination with the IEBC and other stakeholders, with respect for human rights and the rule of law expected to remain central to their operations.

For the religious leaders, however, preparedness must go beyond having plans on paper. They want security agencies to identify potential flashpoints early, protect political and civic freedoms and ensure that security operations do not become a source of fear or intimidation.

The convention is therefore deliberating on how IEBC, police, political parties, government institutions, civil society and faith organisations can work together to prevent electoral violence and disputes before they occur.

The religious leaders are also pushing for greater accountability and independence of constitutional institutions, arguing that public confidence will be critical to the acceptance of the 2027 election outcome.

The deliberations come at a time when political activity is already gaining momentum ahead of the polls. Stakeholders say early preparations are essential to prevent the mistakes and tensions that have historically emerged when electoral disputes are left unresolved until voting day.

The message from Ufungamano is clear: Kenya cannot wait for an election crisis before testing its preparedness.

Religious leaders want the IEBC and security agencies to demonstrate readiness now, strengthen public engagement and ensure that every stage of the electoral process is transparent, professional and impartial.

As the country moves towards 2027, the real measure of preparedness will therefore not be the number of meetings held or plans released, but whether Kenyans can see tangible changes that guarantee a peaceful, credible and trusted election.