EAK Sounds Alarm Over Rising Goonism and Political Violence Ahead of 2027 Elections
By Gedion Nzyoki -
NAIROBI, Kenya, June 19, 2026 — The Evangelical Alliance of Kenya (EAK) has issued a strong warning to political leaders against engaging in hate speech, ethnic mobilization, and divisive politics, while condemning the growing cases of goonism, political violence, and organized lawlessness across the country.
Speaking on Friday during a press briefing following its 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the iconic CITAM Valley Road Church in Nairobi, the evangelical body expressed concern that Kenya's democratic gains could be undermined if leaders continue to use inflammatory rhetoric and tolerate violence as the country gradually shifts its focus toward the 2027 General Election.
The Alliance said political competition must never be allowed to threaten national peace, unity, and social cohesion.
"We call upon all political leaders to desist from inflammatory rhetoric, ethnic mobilization, hate speech, and divisive political narratives that threaten national cohesion. Political competition must never come at the expense of peace and unity," the Alliance stated.
NCIC Challenged to Act Firmly
The religious organization challenged the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to move beyond issuing statements and instead take firm, proactive, and impartial action against individuals and groups accused of promoting hatred, intolerance, and incitement.
"We challenge the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to discharge its mandate firmly, impartially, and proactively. The commission must move beyond statements and demonstrate tangible action against individuals and groups that promote hatred, intolerance, and incitement," the faith-based organization said.
According to the Alliance, Kenya's democratic future depends not only on strong institutions but also on the conduct of both leaders and citizens.
The church leaders emphasized that those entrusted with public leadership have a responsibility to unite the country rather than exploit ethnic and political differences for personal or partisan gain.
Alarm Over Rising Goonism and Political Violence
The Alliance also sounded the alarm over what it described as increasing incidents of organized violence, political intimidation, destruction of property, and the deployment of criminal gangs to disrupt lawful activities.
EAK warned that the normalization of violence in political spaces poses a serious threat to democracy, public confidence in institutions, and national stability.
"We strongly condemn all forms of goonism, political violence, and incitement. Such actions undermine democracy, weaken public confidence, and threaten national stability," the Alliance said.
The statement comes amid growing public concern over violent disruptions at political gatherings and reports of organized groups being used to intimidate opponents and interfere with lawful activities.
Security Agencies Urged to Crack Down on Perpetrators
The evangelical body called upon the National Police Service and other security agencies to act decisively, professionally, and without bias against individuals involved in political violence.
The leaders stressed that the law must be enforced equally, regardless of political affiliation, social status, or influence.
"We call upon the National Police Service and all security agencies to act decisively, professionally, and impartially against perpetrators regardless of their political affiliation or social standing. No individual or group should be allowed to operate above the law," the organization noted.
Call for Peaceful Political Engagement
As political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 polls, the Alliance urged leaders across the political divide to embrace issue-based politics and promote peaceful engagement among their supporters.
The church leaders warned that Kenya's history demonstrates the devastating consequences of political incitement and violence and called on all stakeholders to safeguard national unity.
EAK further appealed to citizens to reject violence, division, and intolerance while actively supporting peacebuilding efforts within their communities.
The organization maintained that a peaceful and credible electoral environment can only be achieved through responsible leadership, strong institutions, and a collective commitment to the rule of law.
EAK Announces New National Officials as Bishop Philip Kitoto Exits Leadership
During the same briefing, the Alliance unveiled a new leadership team following elections held during its 2026 Annual General Meeting, marking a significant transition for the evangelical umbrella body.
The elections saw Bishop Calisto Odede elected as the new National Chairman, succeeding Bishop Philip Kitoto, whose tenure at the helm of the Alliance has come to an end.
The Alliance expressed gratitude to Bishop Kitoto for his faithful service, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to strengthening the evangelical movement in Kenya during his tenure as Chairman of the Board.
"We express our deep appreciation to Bishop Philip Kitoto for his faithful service, visionary leadership, and steadfast commitment to strengthening the evangelical movement during his tenure as Chairman of the Board," the organization stated.
The Alliance also announced the election of Bishop Dr. Robert Langat as Vice Chairman, Rev. Lydia Besseling Wanjiah as Honorary Treasurer, and Rev. Kepha Nyandega as General Secretary.
The newly elected officials are expected to steer the organization as it continues to champion national transformation, Christian unity, discipleship, and advocacy on key social, economic, and governance issues affecting the country.
The remarks formed part of the resolutions adopted during the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya's 2026 AGM, where the church body reflected on national challenges and its role in promoting justice, peace, accountability, and national transformation.
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