BISHOP DAVID KAMAU CALLS FOR PEACEFUL POLITICS AS 2027 ELECTIONS DRAW CLOSER.
The Church has urged Kenyans to reject political intolerance, ethnic suspicion and the use of young people to fuel violence as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during celebrations to commemorate the International Day of Justice and Peace held at Queen of Apostles Parish, Ruaraka, Auxiliary Bishop of Nairobi, Rt. Rev. David Kamau has urged Christians to move beyond praying for peace and deliberately become agents of reconciliation in their families, communities and the country.
His Lordship, said the approaching election should not become a source of intimidation or division, urging political leaders to conduct respectful and civil campaigns and allow competing voices to present their ideas to voters freely.
“While the first duty for Christians is to pray for peace, we are urged to turn our prayers into action,” Bishop Kamau said, calling on Christians to become ambassadors of peace by reconciling people in conflict.
His remarks come as preparations for the 10 August 2027 General Election gain momentum. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has already published an election operations plan setting out key milestones for the polls. The Commission has also begun engaging political aspirants on electoral processes and leadership ahead of the election.
Bishop Kamau particularly challenged the exploitation of unemployed youth for political purposes, saying young people should not be used as instruments of violence.
“We call upon the government to act on the now-normalized culture of using goons and exploiting unemployed youth for political ends. Young people are not tools for violence,” he said.
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission, Commissioner Jerusah Mwaathime who was the Chief Guest speaker for this occasion, reinforced the call, warning that the choices Kenyans make in the political and social space will shape the country’s ability to maintain cohesion.
Mwaathime said investment in anger, lies, humiliation and ethnic suspicion could result in division and violence, while truth, justice, mercy, dialogue and responsible citizenship could strengthen trust and resilience.
She stressed that peace should not be confused with silencing criticism, noting that citizens have a constitutional right to political opinion, participation and peaceful assembly. At the same time, she said freedom of expression does not justify spreading falsehoods, inciting violence, vilifying communities or dehumanizing political opponents.
“Political competition is legitimate; incitement, ethnic hatred and organized violence are not,” Mwaathime said.
She also warned about the speed at which inflammatory political content can spread online, saying an edited video or false claim can provoke anger before facts are established. She called for digital peacebuilding to become part of Christian discipleship.
The commissioner said NCIC is strengthening collaboration with electoral, security, investigative, prosecutorial and regulatory institutions while engaging political leaders, young people, women, faith communities, media and digital actors ahead of the election.
She added that institutions alone cannot create national cohesion, urging citizens to take responsibility for the kind of political culture they help build.
The NCIC was established under the National Cohesion and Integration Act of 2008 following the 2007–2008 post-election violence, with a mandate to promote harmonious coexistence across Kenyan communities.
The celebrations brought together the Archdiocese of Nairobi’s Justice and Peace Department, International Justice Mission, human rights defenders and survivors through the Haki Kwa Wote campaign. This IJM campaign during their talk, highlighted the need to strengthen protection for victims and their families, including access to justice, support and accountability, while calling for legislation criminalizing enforced disappearances and full implementation of the Victim Protection Act.
This annual celebration is organized by the Catholic Justice and Pece Departments in the Archdiocese of Nairobi under the Spiritual leadership of the Director, Rev. Fr. Patrick Ndung’u who urged the justice and peace members to sustain peacebuilding efforts through Small Christian Communities across the Archdiocese.
“Investing in peace for everyone, requires us to pray for peace, but beyond that we are called to do more,” he said.
