The Nomiya Church has warned that growing political intolerance and violence in the country could plunge the country into anarchy ahead of the 2027 general election.
The church’s Synod, led by Cardinal Archbishop Moses Oketch, said politicians should focus on addressing the challenges facing Kenyans instead of promoting violence and hate speech.
Speaking at a fundraiser for the construction of the Johanna Owalo Mausoleum at Kasagam Secondary School in Kisumu East Sub-County, Archbishop Oketch condemned what he described as politically instigated violence in different parts of the country.
He said the trend could create serious problems during the August 2027 elections if left unchecked.
“It is sad that some leaders are hell-bent on promoting ethnic hate and tribal groupings at the expense of nationhood,” he said.
Archbishop Oketch called on law enforcement agencies to act against political leaders who incite violence or make inflammatory statements.
He also urged the government, religious groups, political parties, civil society and other stakeholders to take part in an inclusive national dialogue aimed at reducing political tensions and promoting national cohesion.
“We cannot accept a country where the rule of law is trampled upon because of political expediency,” he said.
“We must all come out and condemn this culture of hiring young people to cause chaos. Let us help these young people to find something useful to do. Otherwise, we are going to turn this country into another Haiti.”
The archbishop criticised attempts to restrict political activities in parts of the country, saying politicians should be allowed to campaign peacefully across the county.
“Political actors should be allowed to campaign freely and peacefully wherever they want, to say what they want, so long as they don’t abuse others, so that wee can have an election that is free and fair,” he said.
He referred to the recent attack in Awendo, Migori County, involving Siaya Governor James Orengo and members of the Linda Mwananchi Movement.
“It is not right to attack your political opponents physically. Let us challenge one another on ideas and ideologies so that this country can move forward,” he said.
Achbishop Oketch also expressed concern about the level of development in the Luo Nyanza region, despite its history of political activism and the struggle for democracy.
“We are not happy, especially in Luoland, with what is happening. Other counties and communities are doing better than us, and yet we say we are the best in terms of democracy, that we fought for democracy. The same democracy we fought for is what we are killing today,” he said.
The church, he added, opposed political hooliganism, ethnic polarisation and attempts to turn parts of the country into political territories.
“Kenya belongs to all, and Luoland is open to anybody who wants to come and campaign,” he said. He urged politicians to compete on policies and ideas rather than through intimidation.
Archbishop Oketch said national dialogue should go beyond discussions between the government and religious leaders.
“Dialogue is important. But it should not only be between the church and the government. It has to be inclusive. Everybody must be brought on board so that we can discuss how we move forward as a nation,” he said.
He also appealed to the media to give greater attention to indigenous churches, arguing that smaller denominations were often overlooked in favour of larger churches.
“Our churches are sometimes considered to be small churches. We are not small. We are the fourth largest church in this country and nobody can take that away from us,” he said.
The archbishop called for a shift towards issue-based politics, saying political slogans and succession debates would not address the economic challenges facing Kenyans.
“Two-term (Tutam), one-term (Wantam) narratives will not put bread on the table. Ideologies and ideas will. If those are not there, then we are wasting our time,” he said.
The fundraiser is targeting Sh10m to support construction work at the Johanna Owalo Mausoleum, including roofing, latrines and water tanks.
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