NCCK Issues Tough Guidelines for Political Leaders in Churches, Calls for Accountability Ahead of 2027 Elections

By Gedion Nzyoki- 

NAIROBI, Kenya, June 25, 2026 — The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has issued a strongly worded pastoral letter calling on Kenyans to reject political violence, demand accountability from leaders, and support young people advocating for a better future, warning that the country is facing a deep moral, governance, and socio-economic crisis.

NCCK Chairperson Rev. Dr. Elias Otieno (second left) and Council General Secretary Rev. Canon Chris Kinyanjui (second right) are flanked by other council officials during a press briefing on Thursday afternoon. Photo: NCCK (Facebook).

Speaking on Thursday during a press briefing at Jumuia Conference and Country Home in Limuru, the Council's Executive Committee, led by Chairperson Revered Dr. Elias Otieno and General Secretary Rev. Canon Chris Kinyanjui, said Kenya is grappling with weak governance, corruption, impunity, human rights abuses, politicized institutions, and premature campaigns ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The church leaders said their message followed two days of prayerful reflection and soul-searching on the state of the nation.

NCCK Condemns Organized Political Violence

The council strongly condemned the growing trend of politically organized violence, accusing some leaders of exploiting poverty and unemployment by recruiting young people as goons to disrupt public gatherings and political events.

"It is very immoral, diabolical, insensitive and against God for political leaders to take advantage of the poverty and unemployment of young Kenyans by hiring them as goons," the Council stated.

The faith-based organization also criticized what it described as growing collaboration between violent groups and security officers, warning that the Inspector General of Police bears a constitutional responsibility to ensure that those financing or mobilizing violence are arrested and prosecuted.

The church further appealed to young people to reject participation in violence, cautioning them against engaging in goonism, attacks on places of worship, and other unlawful activities.

NCCK Raises Alarm Over Cost of Living Crisis

The council said many Kenyans continue to face economic hardship due to the rising cost of living, unemployment, and declining purchasing power.

According to the church leaders, the country's economic challenges have been worsened by an unfriendly business environment and excessive taxation, making life increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens.

The council urged voters not to be swayed by temporary handouts from politicians, reminding them that their vote remains a valuable democratic right.

"We appeal to Kenyans to refuse to be politically swayed with the few breadcrumbs being thrown before them. Your vote is your birthright. Do not sell it for temporary tokens the way Esau did in the Bible," the Council urged.

Calls for Greater Accountability

The religious leaders challenged Kenyans to actively demand transparency and accountability from both elected and appointed public officials.

Citing constitutional provisions on public accountability, the council argued that corruption continues to erode national values and undermine development.

The leaders also urged citizens to reject bribery and embrace integrity in both public and private life.

Kenyans Urged to Choose Leaders Based on Track Record

With political activity already intensifying ahead of the 2027 General Election, the NCCK urged voters to evaluate leaders based on their record of service rather than campaign promises.

The council reminded citizens that leadership choices are made long before election day through careful assessment of the character, performance, and values of those seeking public office.

"We remind our fellow citizens that you do not choose a leader when you get to the ballot box; rather, you choose a leader months or years earlier by reviewing their track record in serving the nation," the Council stated.

NCCK Challenges IEBC Ahead of 2027 Elections

The council welcomed the recent release of the 2027 election calendar by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), describing it as an important milestone in electoral preparations.

However, it expressed concern over declining public confidence in the electoral body, citing survey findings indicating that only a small proportion of Kenyans fully trust the commission to conduct free, fair, and credible elections.

"We nonetheless remind the Commission that in all recent polls and surveys in Kenya, only 26% are confident that you can deliver free, fair and credible elections. Indeed, 60% cited a lack of transparency within the Commission. As the only constitutional managers of elections in Kenya, you hold a noble and sacred duty."

The NCCK challenged commissioners to uphold transparency and integrity as they prepare the country for the next polls.

NCCK Criticizes Poor Service Delivery

The council also faulted government institutions for what it described as decades of poor service delivery characterized by corruption, mediocrity, and disregard for citizens.

The statement cited deteriorating roads, inadequate drainage systems, poorly maintained public facilities, and persistent challenges within the healthcare sector.

The church specifically criticized the performance of the Social Health Authority (SHA) and the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), arguing that many Kenyans continue to shoulder heavy healthcare costs despite ongoing reforms.

"Despite the consistent claims of its efficacy, the Social Health Authority / Social Health Insurance Fund (SHA / SHIF) is a dismal failure, leaving millions of Kenyans suffering as they pay out of their pockets for healthcare," the Council stated.

NCCK Backs Gen Z Movement

In one of the strongest sections of the pastoral letter, the NCCK expressed support for young people, particularly members of the Gen Z generation, whom it praised for seeking to shape a better future for the country.

The council commended young Kenyans for rising to address challenges facing their generation and assured them of the church's support.

"We therefore commend and embrace the young people, referred to as the Gen Z, for rising up to serve their generation. Go ahead and create for yourselves the Kenya you want to live in, being assured that the Church stands with you," the religious organization reaffirmed.

At the same time, the council condemned the use of excessive force against young protesters and called for an end to killings, injuries, and violence during demonstrations.

As the country marked the second anniversary of the June 2024 Gen Z protests, the church urged authorities to listen to the concerns being raised by young people rather than responding with violence.

The council further encouraged young people to register as voters, seek elective office, and actively participate in political parties, churches, and community organizations.

NCCK Launches Study on Money and Religion in Politics

During the Executive Committee meeting, the council also launched a report titled "Study on the Influence of Money and Religion on Democratic Outcomes in Kenya," which found that the growing influence of money in politics is undermining democratic processes and eroding public trust in leadership.

The church urged Kenyans to read the report and take action to safeguard the country's democratic values.

New Guidelines for Political Leaders in Churches

The NCCK also announced revised guidelines governing engagement between churches and political leaders.

Under the new framework, politicians will be welcomed in places of worship as congregants rather than campaigners. 

The guidelines require clergy to maintain political neutrality, discourage politicized fundraising, promote civic education, and reject violence, intimidation, hate speech, and misinformation.

Church leaders said the measures are intended to protect the sanctity of places of worship and preserve public confidence in religious institutions.

In conclusion, the council urged all Kenyans to play an active role in building a just, peaceful, and prosperous society.

The NCCK also extended its condolences to families who have lost loved ones in violence linked to the Gen Z demonstrations, as well as those affected by the recent fire tragedy at Utumishi Academy.