The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has issued a strict directive banning all political addresses inside Catholic churches nationwide, while warning Parliament against passing divisive electoral laws ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking at the close of their plenary assembly at the John Cardinal Njue Pastoral Centre in Embu on Thursday, the prelates—led by KCCB Chairman Most Rev. Maurice Muhatia Makumba—released a hard-hitting State of the Nation address criticizing rising political intolerance, police complicity in abductions, and attempts to weaken electoral transparency.
Churches Off-Limits to Politicians
Taking a firm stand against the turning of sanctuaries into campaign arenas, the bishops instructed all priests across the country to strictly enforce a total ban on political speeches during church services.
"Places of worship should be peacefully and prayerfully available to everyone, regardless of their political affiliation, and be symbols of unity, love, and care," the bishops stated, directing politicians to take their campaigns to media platforms, barazas, and roadside rallies instead.
Warning Over Electoral and Education Bills
The clergy raised alarm over legislative proposals currently before Parliament, specificallysingling out a Bill seeking to ban the livestreaming of presidential vote tallies. Warning that such measures would cast doubt on the credibility of the 2027 polls and stoke unnecessary national tension, the bishops urged the Speakers of Parliament to block divisive legislation and instead fast-track Bills that strengthen the Electoral Act.
"Parliament has yet one more chance to redeem itself, by totally rejecting such an attempt to muzzle free access to information," the statement read.
The bishops also faulted six Education Bills currently before the National Assembly, noting that they deviate from recommendations made by the Presidential Working Party on Education Reform and threaten to weaken long-standing educational institutions.
Abductions, Police Neutrality, and IEBC Independence
Addressing the state of human rights and governance, the KCCB condemned ongoing abductions, enforced disappearances, and the harassment of civil society actors, journalists, and human rights defenders. The prelates expressed deep concern over reports of armed individuals operating in collaboration with police, or officers standing by as hired goons attack citizens exercising their constitutional rights. They called on security agencies to remain strictly non-partisan.
Turning to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the bishops demanded that the electoral body resist political intimidation and ensure transparent voter registration, logistics, and results verification. They also challenged the Judiciary to handle election-related disputes with impartiality.
Call to the Youth and Political Leaders
With early campaigns already heating up, the bishops admonished politicians—particularly presidential aspirants—for using polarizing and indecent language before the official campaign window opens, calling on them to sign a public commitment to peaceful and civilized discourse.
To young Kenyans, the clergy urged massive registration as voters after acquiring national identification cards, while cautioning them against accepting handouts from politicians to perpetrate violence.
"Resist the lure of money to cause violence," the bishops appealed. "Instead, during the time of campaigns, use your creativity and social-media skills to protect your brothers and sisters."
As the country approaches the December festive season, the bishops concluded their message by urging motorists and citizens to exercise discipline on the roads to curb recent traffic fatalities, calling on all Kenyans to prioritize national unity and the common good over ethnic or political interests.
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