Civil society organisations and faith-based groups have pledged to intensify efforts to promote political tolerance, civic engagement, and peaceful coexistence ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The commitment was made during a consultative forum convened by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) in Kisumu on Thursday, bringing together representatives from civil society, religious organisations, election management bodies, and government agencies.
The meeting forms part of a week-long series of stakeholder engagements across the Nyanza region aimed at strengthening preparations for the next general election and addressing emerging challenges in the political landscape.
Kisumu County Accountability Alliance Coordinator Kennedy Anjejo said civil society organisations would continue safeguarding democratic gains while advocating reforms that foster inclusive and issue-based politics.
“We are not in pursuit of power. We exist to safeguard the rights and interests of vulnerable members of the community and to create platforms where dialogue can thrive,” Anjejo said.
He noted that the consultations provided an opportunity to assess lessons learned from the 2022 General Election and identify areas requiring intervention before 2027.
“Some of the challenges we are witnessing do not require new laws. In many cases, they are matters of political conduct and can be addressed through responsible leadership and adherence to existing legal frameworks,” he said.
Participants emphasized the need for sustained peace-building efforts, with stakeholders agreeing that political tolerance should remain at the centre of election preparedness initiatives.
ORPP Nyanza Regional Coordinator Ezekiel Obonyo said the consultations were designed to create a common platform for dialogue among key actors in the electoral process.
“We realise that civil society organisations play a critical role in the political arena because they amplify the voices of people who may not have larger platforms,” Obonyo said.
He disclosed that the engagement process would culminate in the signing of a peace and accountability charter by stakeholders across the region.
“The charter will outline commitments by various actors to promote peace, tolerance, and mutual respect as we prepare for the 2027 General Election,” he said.
Obonyo added that the multi-sectoral approach had brought together security agencies, political leaders, civil society groups, and religious organisations to tackle concerns such as political violence and the use of hired gangs during political activities.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) used the forum to rally support for voter registration, particularly among young people.
Homa Bay County Elections Manager Fredrick Apopa urged civil society organisations to complement the commission’s voter mobilisation efforts.
“We are encouraging all eligible citizens who have not registered as voters, especially young people, to take advantage of the ongoing registration services at constituency offices and Huduma Centres,” Apopa said.
He further appealed for peaceful political engagement, urging leaders and supporters to respect differing opinions.
“We remain one people, one region, and one country. There is no reason for violence simply because we hold different political views,” he said.
Faith leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace and responsible citizenship through their congregations and community outreach programmes.
National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) Western and Nyanza Regional representative Rev. Caroline Okutoyi said churches would continue working with electoral agencies and other stakeholders to spread peace messages and encourage civic participation.
“We are using every available platform, including church services and community gatherings, to promote peaceful coexistence and civic responsibility,” she said.
As preparations for the 2027 General Election gather momentum, stakeholders at the forum expressed optimism that collaborative efforts among government institutions, civil society, and religious organisations will help foster a peaceful and inclusive electoral environment.Ends.
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