NAIROBI, Kenya — Pentecostal churches under the umbrella of the Pentecostal Voices of Kenya have warned that the 2027 General Election risks descending into chaos unless the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and security agencies urgently strengthen preparedness and enforce accountability.
Speaking in Nairobi, the clergy said the violence and intimidation witnessed during last week’s by-elections — particularly in Mbeere North and Kasipul — signal a worrying trend that could undermine the legitimacy of the 2027 polls if unchecked.
Habil Olembo, Secretary General of Pentecostal Voices of Kenya, said the church was alarmed by the scale of disorder seen in multiple polling stations. “The chaos was worrying, and it is an indication of turmoil we are likely to witness in 2027. Elections are supposed to be a substitute for violence and anarchy,” he said.
Chair Peter Manyuru echoed the concerns, condemning what he described as state-aided malpractice and politically instigated violence. “Tumekuja kulaani kama kanisa yale vitendo ya violence na malpractice,” he stated, urging institutions to rise above political interests.
The clergy cited the Mbeere North constituency, where goons reportedly stormed polling centres, intimidating both voters and electoral officials. Olembo added that the church had received credible reports of bribery and misuse of state machinery, allegations similar to those raised by political leaders and election observers in recent days.
In Homa Bay’s Kasipul constituency, violent gangs reportedly took over polling stations, attacking voters with crude weapons. During one of the incidents in Agoro Sare, ODM chief agent and Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma was assaulted — an episode that sparked outrage across the political divide.
The situation escalated further during the campaigns, with clashes leading to fatalities. Following the violence, IEBC summoned ODM candidate Boyd Were and independent candidate Philip Aroko, eventually imposing a Sh1 million fine on each. The church, however, argued that the penalties were insufficient.
Manyuru urged the electoral body to impose harsher consequences that deter future offenders. “Tungependa IEBC ichukue hatua zaidi. Isikuwe tu wanapewa warning ama fines. IEBC iende zaidi iwabar from kuwa in any elective position,” he said.
The clergy also called out institutions they believe are reluctant to hold government-allied politicians accountable. “We call upon all concerned government agencies, IEBC, and NCIC, to be firm and proactive. They should not turn a blind eye in pursuit of government-allied politicians,” Olembo insisted.
Beyond institutional reforms, the church appealed to Kenyan youth to register as voters and participate actively in shaping peaceful elections. The clergy noted that disengagement among young people leaves room for manipulation, violence, and coercion.
With the 2027 General Election expected to be tightly contested, faith leaders say early intervention is critical to preventing the kind of electoral turmoil that has historically destabilised the country.
Their warning adds to growing pressure on IEBC, security agencies, and political actors to restore public confidence in Kenya’s democratic processes.
