Catholic bishops to politicians: Stop 2027 campaigns

Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops chairman Maurice Muhatia Makumba

The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has called out politicians for engaging in realignments “well before the 2027 elections.”

KCCB chairman Maurice Muhatia Makumba said the early onset of political realignments diverts attention from national development, shifting focus to the spectacle of election campaigns.

“The fervour generated by political rallies creates an artificial euphoria that obscures substantive policy debates, elevating political temperatures,” he explained.

Makumba further said premature election fervour undermines the spirit of the democratic process, as a government is expected to concentrate on governance and implementation until the officially designated campaigning period is announced.

In a statement, the bishops nonetheless commended recent initiatives such as establishing the selection panel for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

“These steps certainly assist in restoring faith in our democratic institutions. But more is needed. We call for the immediate updating of the voter register, the prompt conduct of by-elections for vacant seats, and continuous efforts to register new voters, especially among our dynamic youth, to ensure that every eligible citizen has a voice,” Makumba said.

He urged the government to provide sufficient resources and autonomy to constitutional bodies such as the IEBC and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).

“These reforms are essential for nurturing a democracy that is participatory, just, and truly reflective of the people's will,” he said.

He noted that ethnic mobilisation has long been employed as a tool of division and manipulation.

“Over the decades, the exploitation of ethnic identities for political gain has led to violence and deep societal fractures. Today, we stand resolute in our commitment to learn from these painful lessons,” he said.

He added that every Kenyan, regardless of ethnicity or political affiliation, deserves to be treated with the utmost dignity and respect.

“In building the Kenya we desire, it is imperative that we embrace a future where all citizens are united in mutual recognition and respect, transcending the divisive tactics of the past.”