Faith leaders in Nandi County have called on the government, opposition leaders, and the public to uphold peace, unity, and responsible political discourse as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a peace forum in Kapsabet town, National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) Nandi Chapter Chairman John Olesre urged the government to take firm action against acts of hooliganism and violence, regardless of the political affiliation of those involved.
“Kenya belongs to all of us, and I plead for peace in every region. I request the government since it has all the power to curb acts of hooliganism that have arisen everywhere,” said Olesre.
He urged the government to be impartial in enforcing the law, while calling on opposition leaders to use their positions responsibly and avoid insults that could fuel political tensions.
“To the opposition, they should also use their positions well and stop insults. Because if Kenya is destroyed, even you and I, there is nowhere we will run to,” he said.
NCCK Nandi youth leader Elsyn Cheptoo cautioned young people against being used by politicians to cause violence, saying unemployment and other challenges facing the youth could make them vulnerable to political manipulation.
NCCK Nandi County Women Representative Salina Wekesa called on politicians to respect places of worship and refrain from using churches as platforms for insults and political confrontations.
“Our call, or my appeal as a representative of mothers, is that when you are asking for votes, let us respect places of worship. If you have things to say, speak outside the church,” said Wekesa.
She said the church had traditionally been regarded as a place of peace, love, and unity, warning that its misuse for political insults and confrontations undermined its fundamental purpose.
“Therefore, we pray that the church be respected, and to all politicians, if you are asking for votes, ask for them outside the church,” she said.
Pastor’s representative Sunday Kibengwa said religious leaders had a responsibility to guide their congregations towards responsible choices and peaceful participation in the electoral process.
“We have a big responsibility to ensure that we guide our believers to make sure they take a wise direction. Let us not be people who defile the altars of Christ, because these altars were set up for proper guidance,” he said.
Kibengwa urged Kenyans to attend political meetings, listen to leaders, and choose their preferred candidates peacefully, while avoiding abusive language and political quarrels.
“Let us avoid dirty language; let us stop quarreling. As citizens, we are one. Let us love each other and have brotherhood because there is no other Kenya. Kenya is one, and we stand for the unity of our nation,” he said.
Meanwhile, Nandi Civil Society Network Chairman Shadrack Tarno called on political leaders to become agents of peace and good governance as the country approaches the 2027 elections.
He urged leaders to address corruption and human rights concerns, including abductions, which he said could create unrest in the country.
“We would like our leaders to be agents of peace, to be very mindful of their service, especially during this time as we head towards the 2027 elections,” said Tarno.
He called on leaders to serve all Kenyans equally across the 47 counties without discrimination while promoting good governance and respect for human rights.
The leaders also urged Kenyans to reject political incitement, insults, and violence, saying the responsibility of safeguarding peace rested with the government, political leaders, the church, civil society, and citizens.
By Geoffrey Satia
