NCCK-Led National Convention Calls for Unity, Electoral Peace and Protection of Democracy Ahead of 2027 Polls

By Samuel Ochieng Radio44 Staff Writer

NAIROBI, Kenya  A three-day National Stakeholders Convention convened by the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has concluded with a strong appeal for national unity, responsible leadership and collective action to safeguard Kenya’s democracy ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The high-level forum, held at Ufungamano House in Nairobi from September 1 to 3, brought together representatives from faith-based organizations, government institutions, constitutional commissions, civil society, private sector, youth and women groups, academia and the media to deliberate on the country’s political, social and economic landscape.

The Convention comes at a critical moment as Kenya prepares for another election cycle, with stakeholders warning that unresolved challenges including political polarization, ethnic divisions, misinformation, economic inequality, corruption and youth unemployment could undermine national cohesion if not urgently addressed.

In its closing statement, the Convention emphasized that protecting Kenya’s democratic gains requires a shared responsibility among citizens, institutions and leaders, noting that peace cannot be achieved through political agreements alone but through justice, inclusion, accountability and respect for constitutional values.

The stakeholders called on political leaders and citizens to commit to peaceful, free, fair and credible elections in 2027, warning against the use of hate speech, ethnic mobilization, violence and misinformation as tools of political competition.

The Convention further urged leaders to uphold integrity, accountability and constitutionalism while calling for stronger protection of independent institutions, particularly those responsible for elections, justice, human rights and governance.

Participants also highlighted the growing threat posed by misinformation and disinformation, especially through digital platforms, urging stakeholders including the media and technology actors to promote responsible communication and protect public discourse from harmful content.

With young people forming the majority of Kenya’s population, the Convention stressed the need for meaningful youth participation in governance, peacebuilding and economic development, while reaffirming the importance of including women, persons with disabilities and marginalized communities in leadership and decision-making processes.

The forum also linked peace and stability to economic justice, calling for policies that address unemployment, poverty, inequality and the rising cost of living, which remain key concerns for millions of Kenyans.

The NCCK-led meeting committed faith communities, government actors, civil society organizations, the private sector and citizens to work together in advancing a sustained national peace and cohesion agenda beyond the 2027 election period.

“Peace is not merely the absence of violence, but the presence of justice, inclusion, accountable leadership and equal opportunity for all,” the Convention stated.

As Kenya moves closer to the 2027 elections, the stakeholders urged citizens to reject tribalism, intolerance and political violence, while encouraging leaders to place national interests above partisan considerations.

The Convention concluded with a call for a united Kenya where diversity is celebrated, democratic institutions are respected and leadership serves the common good.

“A United Kenya for Democratic, Credible and Peaceful Elections in 2027,” the stakeholders affirmed.