By James Mutua
The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has raised concern over the deteriorating state of governance and political accountability in the country.
Speaking after a two-day regional meeting held at the YMCA Central Conference Hall under the theme “Strengthening Governance, Accountability, and Trust for Credible Elections,” church leaders warned that Kenya’s democratic ideals are increasingly being undermined by a transactional political culture that places elite interests above the welfare of ordinary citizens.
In a statement, NCCK Nairobi Region Chairman Rev. Dr. Alphonse Kanga condemned the growing normalization of political violence and the use of organized youth groups to intimidate opponents and disrupt public meetings.
Kanga said the emergence of a “goon economy” reflects the desperation among unemployed youth, noting that nearly 67 percent of young people lack meaningful employment opportunities.
“It is heartbreaking that young Kenyans are being paid as little as KSh200 to KSh500 to disrupt meetings or intimidate fellow citizens,” the statement read. “This is not just a security issue, but a grave violation of human dignity.”
The NCCK accused political leaders of weaponizing poverty by recruiting vulnerable youth into violent political activities, warning that the trend threatens peace and social cohesion.
The council called on the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties to deregister political parties found sponsoring or deploying violent groups, while urging the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to investigate and prosecute political sponsors of violence.
Delegates also condemned rising cases of hate speech and incitement by politicians, challenging institutions tasked with protecting national cohesion to take decisive action.
The NCCK specifically called out the National Cohesion and Integration Commission, Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, Commission on Administrative Justice, Directorate of Criminal Investigations and the Office of the DPP to act firmly against leaders spreading divisive rhetoric.
“If you are too intimidated to do your work, then it is high time you resign and let someone else take up the mandate,” the statement added.
At the same time, church leaders urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to crack down on politicians engaging in early campaigns ahead of the 2027 General Election.
According to the delegates, failure by the electoral commission to stop illegal campaigns raises doubts about its ability to guarantee free and fair elections.
The NCCK reiterated its commitment to justice, human dignity and peaceful coexistence, calling on Kenyans to reject violence, hate speech and political manipulation.
The two-day meeting brought together delegates from member churches in Nairobi, Kiambu, Garissa, Wajir and Mandera counties, which constitute the NCCK Nairobi Region, to reflect on Kenya’s state of governance, political accountability, the future of credible elections and other pressing national issues.
