The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has raised alarm over what they describe as the premature foray into partisan politics by some faith leaders and politicians ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a strongly worded statement, the bishops criticised the ethnic politics that have begun dominating the early campaigns, saying they are causing deep divisions. "This early onset of political campaigns diverts critical attention from national development, shifting focus to the spectacle of election campaigns," said Archbishop Maurice Muhatia Makumba.
Adding, "The exploitation of ethnic identities for political violence and deep societal fractures." Members of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops File The church's concerns come after both the opposition and government make trips in various parts of the country under the guise of consultation and development tours, respectively. President William Ruto has already made development tours to the western, northeastern, and coastal regions this year, and he is expected to return to Nyanza next week.
On the other hand, the opposition led by Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka has been making rounds to various functions, making speeches attacking the government while indicating plans for the next election that is over two years away. At the same time, others, like the former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, have started what he has termed consultative meetings at his Wamunyoror residence while gearing up for the 2027 elections. This week, former Raila Ondiga's running mate, Martha Karua, rebranded her NARC-Kenya party to the People's Liberation Party (PLP), all in preparation for the elections.
