EAK Elects New Leadership, Calls for National Renewal Ahead of 2027 Elections
By Bruno Aero Family Media Staff Journal,
NAIROBI, June 19, 2026 The Evangelical Alliance of Kenya (EAK) has called for righteous leadership, peaceful politics, economic accountability, and national transformation as it concluded its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Nairobi.
A key highlight of the meeting was a leadership transition within the Alliance. The AGM paid tribute to outgoing Board Chairman Bishop Philip Kitoto for his service and contribution to strengthening Kenya’s evangelical movement.
Delegates elected Bishop Calisto Odede as the new National Chairman, with Bishop Dr. Robert Langat elected Vice Chairman. Rev. Lydia Besseling Wanjiah was elected Honorary Treasurer, while Rev. Kepha Nyandega retained the position of General Secretary.
The Alliance expressed confidence that the new leadership team would strengthen the unity and effectiveness of the evangelical community as it seeks to address emerging national challenges.
The church leaders also renewed their commitment to the Kenya National Prayer and Transformation Movement launched on May 4, 2026.
The initiative seeks to mobilize Christians across the country to engage in prayer, repentance, discipleship, and responsible citizenship.
As Kenya gradually shifts attention toward the 2027 General Election, EAK urged eligible citizens, particularly young people, to register as voters and participate in the democratic process. While commending the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for ongoing voter registration efforts, the Alliance noted that registration numbers remain below the commission’s target.
The organization further called on Parliament to fast-track pending electoral reforms and legislation aimed at strengthening public confidence in electoral institutions and processes.
In a strong appeal to political leaders, EAK warned against inflammatory rhetoric, ethnic mobilization, hate speech, and divisive political campaigns, saying such conduct threatens national cohesion and peaceful coexistence.
Church leaders also expressed concern over what they described as growing incidents of organized violence, political intimidation, destruction of property, and the use of criminal gangs to disrupt lawful activities. They called on security agencies to act professionally and without bias in dealing with perpetrators regardless of political affiliation.
On the economy, EAK urged the government to exercise prudence and accountability in public spending amid rising living costs affecting many households. The Alliance called for stronger anti-corruption measures, enhanced accountability in public institutions, support for job creation, and targeted relief for vulnerable families.
Education featured prominently in the discussions, with church leaders welcoming the recruitment of thousands of teachers and reforms in the tertiary education sector. However, they raised concerns over delays in the release of government funding to private universities hosting government-sponsored students.
The Alliance also urged broad public consultation on ongoing reviews of the Competency-Based Education (CBE) framework and expressed reservations over proposals to integrate Duksi and Madrassa institutions into the formal education system, arguing that any reforms should be guided by constitutional principles, equality, and national cohesion.
EAK further highlighted increasing cases of unrest in schools and called for enhanced student mentorship, mental health support, counseling services, and chaplaincy programs to address underlying challenges affecting learners.
On healthcare, the Alliance urged the government to strengthen healthcare systems, improve access to affordable medical services, and address delays in remittances owed to mission hospitals under the Social Health Authority (SHA) framework.
The church leaders also raised concerns over reports of hostility and restrictions faced by some Christian groups in exercising their constitutional right to freedom of worship, urging authorities to safeguard religious freedoms for all Kenyans.
Concluding the meeting, EAK reaffirmed the Church’s prophetic responsibility to speak on matters of truth, justice, integrity, and reconciliation while encouraging Christians to actively participate in shaping a society that reflects biblical values.
The new EAK leadership announced at the AGM includes:
Calisto Odede – National Chairman
Robert Langat – Vice Chairman
Lydia Besseling Wanjiah – Honorary Treasurer
Kepha Nyandega – General Secretary
Outgoing Chairman: Philip Kitoto
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