 |
| EACC Chairperson Dr. David Oginde speaks during the National Stakeholders’ Convention on Democratic, Credible and Peaceful 2027 Elections at Ufungamano House, Nairobi, on September 3, 2026. |
Religious leaders have been urged to reject and refrain from legitimising illicit funds as Kenya prepares for the 2027 General Election.
Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) Chairperson Dr. David Oginde issued the warning during the National Stakeholders’ Convention on Democratic, Credible and Peaceful 2027 Elections at Ufungamano House, Nairobi, where he raised concern over the growing influence of illicit money in politics.
Dr. Oginde said politicians who finance campaigns using proceeds of corruption, money laundering and unexplained wealth could later be pressured to reward their financiers through inflated tenders, manipulated procurement and other corrupt deals.
“There is no way we are going to build a society of integrity if we are beneficiaries of illicit resources,” Dr. Oginde said.
He said election campaigns should be driven by leadership, values and principles rather than the financial muscle of candidates.
Dr. Oginde cautioned that illicit wealth gives wealthy candidates an unfair advantage and could distort voters’ ability to choose leaders based on merit and integrity.
He urged religious leaders to exercise caution over funds they receive and avoid legitimising resources whose origins are questionable.
National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) Commissioner Joseph Nguyo called on Kenyans to remain vigilant and actively support efforts to safeguard national cohesion ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Nguyo said protecting the independence of the NCIC was essential in preventing hate speech, ethnic incitement and politically motivated violence.
He urged Kenyans to report incidents that threaten peace and national unity, noting that early intervention was key to averting conflict.
The Commissioner said the NCIC was also engaging political leaders and public officials to promote responsible leadership and issue-based politics ahead of the elections.
He said stronger collaboration among institutions, political actors and citizens was necessary to protect democratic processes, strengthen public trust in electoral institutions and promote peaceful political participation.
National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) General Secretary Rev. Canon Chris Kinyanjui said protecting democratic space required active participation from citizens.
“Democratic space is rarely lost all at once — it slips away quietly, one compromise at a time, and the antidote is participation,” Rev. Kinyanjui said.
He urged Kenyans to participate in democratic processes, ask difficult questions and stand up for the country as preparations for the 2027 elections continue.
The convention brings together religious leaders, electoral stakeholders and civil society organisations to deliberate on measures to promote credible, peaceful and inclusive elections.
It is convened by the NCCK, Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) and Evangelical Alliance of Kenya (EAK).
The stakeholders are also examining potential threats to the electoral process and measures to address corruption, hate speech, political violence and other practices that could undermine democratic outcomes.
Dr. Oginde warned that illicit campaign financing could undermine public institutions by creating obligations for politicians to reward financiers with access to public resources once elected.
He said curbing illicit money in politics was therefore critical to protecting the integrity of elections and strengthening public confidence in government.
The stakeholders called for greater cooperation among institutions, political actors, religious organisations and citizens to safeguard the electoral process and promote peaceful, credible and inclusive elections in 2027.
Comments
Post a Comment