RELIGIOUS LEADERS CALL FOR CITIZEN PARTICIPATION TO PROTECT KENYAN'S DEMOCRATIC SPACE AHEAD OF 2027 ELECTIONS


By Elijah odanga lolwe digital media 
2ND September 2026

Religious leaders have called on Kenyans to actively participate in the country’s democratic processes, warning that democratic space can gradually be eroded when citizens remain silent or disengaged.
Speaking during the National Stakeholders’ Convention (NSC 2026)
held at Ufungamano House in Nairobi, Rev. Canon Chris Kinyanjui, General Secretary of the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), said democracy is rarely lost through a single dramatic event but instead through a series of compromises.
“Democratic space is rarely lost all at once — it slips away quietly, one compromise at a time,” Kinyanjui said.
He urged Kenyans to safeguard the country’s democratic gains by participating in public affairs, asking difficult questions and standing up for the country.
According to Kinyanjui, citizen participation remains critical in promoting peace and ensuring that the 2027 General Election is credible, democratic and peaceful.
The National Stakeholders’ Convention brought together religious leaders and other national stakeholders to deliberate on preparations for the 2027 elections and ways of strengthening democratic governance and peaceful political participation. The convention is being convened by the NCCK, Evangelical Alliance of Kenya (EAK), Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) and the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops–Catholic Justice and Peace Department 
Other key religious leaders participating in the convention included
Rt. Rev. John Oballa, Chairman of the KCCB-CJPD, alongside representatives of EAK and SUPKEM.
The leaders emphasised the need for Kenyans to reject political intolerance, promote dialogue and work collectively to ensure the 2027 electoral process does not undermine national cohesion.
The convention comes as stakeholders intensify discussions on how to secure democratic, credible and peaceful elections in 2027, with religious institutions positioning themselves as key voices in promoting peace, accountability and citizen participation.

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