EAK Calls for National Renewal, Electoral Reforms and Accountable Leadership as New Officials Take Office

Bishop Calisto Odede addresses journalists during the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya (EAK) 2026 Annual General Meeting in Nairobi on June 19, 2026.

The Evangelical Alliance of Kenya (EAK) has called for national unity, electoral reforms, prudent management of public resources and renewed commitment to moral leadership as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election.

The resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued during the Alliance’s 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM), which brought together evangelical churches, Christian organisations and institutions from across the country to reflect on the state of the Church and the Nation.

The AGM also marked a leadership transition within the Alliance, with Bishop Calisto Odede elected National Chairman, succeeding Bishop Philip Kitoto, whose tenure came to an end.

Other officials elected were Bishop Dr Robert Langat as Vice Chairman, Rev. Lydia Besseling Wanjiah as Honorary Treasurer and Rev. Kepha Nyandega as General Secretary.

The Alliance paid tribute to Bishop Kitoto for what it described as his faithful service, visionary leadership and commitment to strengthening the evangelical movement during his tenure.

Speaking after his election, Bishop Odede pledged to build on the foundation laid by previous leaders and continue strengthening the evangelical movement’s contribution to national development and spiritual transformation.

A significant part of the AGM focused on the Kenya National Prayer and Transformation Movement, launched on May 4, 2026, as a platform to mobilise Christians towards prayer, repentance, discipleship and responsible citizenship.

Reading the section of the communiqué on national affairs, the newly elected General Secretary Rev. Kepha Nyandega said Kenya’s challenges require both spiritual renewal and practical action from citizens and institutions.

“While policies and institutions remain important, true national transformation begins with transformed hearts,” said Rev. Nyandega. “We call upon churches, families, institutions and believers across the nation to actively participate in this movement, recognising that righteousness exalts a nation.”

As attention increasingly turns to preparations for the 2027 General Election, EAK commended the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for its ongoing voter registration exercise but noted that the number of newly registered voters remains below the commission’s target.

The Alliance urged eligible Kenyans, particularly young people, to register as voters and actively participate in democratic processes.

“We urge those who are yet to register, especially the youth, to take advantage of the registration exercise and prepare to exercise their democratic rights in the August 2027 elections,” Rev. Nyandega said.

The Alliance further called on Parliament to fast-track pending electoral reforms and enact legislation necessary to strengthen public confidence in electoral institutions and electoral processes.

EAK also urged political leaders to avoid inflammatory rhetoric, ethnic mobilisation, hate speech and divisive political narratives that could undermine national cohesion.

“Political competition must never come at the expense of peace and unity,” said Rev. Nyandega, adding that Kenya’s democratic future depends on both strong institutions and responsible leadership.

The Alliance challenged the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to take firm and impartial action against individuals and groups promoting hatred, intolerance and incitement.

At the same time, EAK condemned what it termed a worrying increase in organised violence, political intimidation and destruction of property associated with political activities.

“We strongly condemn all forms of goonism, political violence and incitement. Such actions undermine democracy, weaken public confidence and threaten national stability,” Rev. Nyandega said.

He called upon the National Police Service and other security agencies to act decisively, professionally and impartially against perpetrators regardless of political affiliation or social status.

On the economy, the Alliance urged the Government to exercise fiscal discipline and accountability in the management of public resources amid the rising cost of living.

According to EAK, public expenditure should reflect the realities facing ordinary citizens struggling with increasing costs of food, housing, healthcare, education, transport and energy.

“We call upon the Government to reduce wasteful expenditure, intensify the fight against corruption, strengthen accountability mechanisms in public institutions and prioritise service delivery in critical sectors such as education and health,” Rev. Nyandega stated.

The Alliance also called for economic stimulus interventions aimed at supporting job creation, youth enterprises, small businesses and agricultural productivity.

In the education sector, EAK acknowledged government efforts to improve teacher-to-learner ratios through the recruitment of nearly 100,000 teachers and reforms within tertiary education institutions.

However, the Alliance expressed concern over delays in releasing funds for government-sponsored students studying in private universities, saying the delays continue to affect operations in the institutions.

It further supported the ongoing review of the Competency-Based Education (CBE) framework and called for meaningful participation of teachers, parents, faith communities and education experts.

The Alliance also voiced concerns over proposals to integrate Duksi and Madrassa institutions into the formal education system, cautioning that any reforms should be guided by constitutional principles, equality and national cohesion.

“Kenya belongs to all Kenyans, and its education system must serve all citizens equally under one national standard,” Rev. Nyandega said.

EAK additionally raised concerns over recurring unrest in schools and institutions of learning, calling for stronger mentorship programmes, counselling services, chaplaincy support and psychosocial interventions for learners.

The Alliance urged the Government to ensure timely disbursement of capitation funds to schools to support effective learning and institutional stability.

On healthcare, EAK called for improved access to affordable and quality medical services, enhanced healthcare financing and timely reimbursement of health facilities under the Social Health Authority (SHA).

While acknowledging progress made in implementing universal health coverage, the Alliance noted that many mission hospitals continue to experience delays in the remittance of funds.

“Special attention should be given to maternal health, child health, mental health and healthcare access in marginalised and underserved communities,” Rev. Nyandega said.

The Alliance also expressed concern over reports that some Christian groups continue to face hostility and restrictions while exercising their faith.

“It is our prayer that this constitutional right will not be curtailed by any individual,” he said, referring to the constitutional guarantee of freedom of worship.

On the role of the Church, Rev. Nyandega said Christians must continue serving as a prophetic voice in society by promoting truth, justice, integrity and reconciliation.

“As the Church, we recognise that our calling extends beyond the walls of our sanctuaries. We are called to be a prophetic voice for truth, justice, righteousness and reconciliation, speaking God’s truth with courage while demonstrating His love and compassion to all,” he said.

The Alliance concluded by expressing optimism about Kenya’s future, urging citizens to reject corruption, violence and division and instead embrace integrity, accountability, compassion and responsible citizenship.

“We remain hopeful about the future of our nation. Kenya possesses the capacity, resources and people necessary to overcome present challenges and build a more just, peaceful and prosperous society,” the communiqué stated.