NCCK NAIROBI REGION RAISES ALARM OVER GOVERNANCE CRISIS, POLITICAL VIOLENCE AND RISING COST OF LIVING.
BY NJOKI KARANJA
6th May 2026.
Delegates from the Nairobi Region of the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) have raised concern over what they described as a growing governance and accountability crisis in the country, warning that Kenya risks undermining its democratic foundations if urgent reforms are not implemented.
Speaking after a two-day regional meeting held at the YMCA Central Conference Hall, church leaders drawn from Nairobi, Kiambu, Garissa, Wajir and Mandera counties called for immediate action to address political violence, economic hardship, electoral concerns and failures in public service delivery.
The forum, themed “Strengthening Governance, Accountability, and Trust for Credible Elections,” brought together clergy and youth representatives under the leadership of NCCK Nairobi Region Chairman Rev. Dr. Alphonce Kanga.
In a strongly worded statement, the delegates condemned the increasing use of unemployed youth to orchestrate political chaos and violence during public gatherings.
The council described the trend as a dangerous “goon economy,” claiming vulnerable youth are being paid between KSh 200 and KSh 500 to intimidate citizens and disrupt meetings.
NCCK called on the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties to deregister political parties linked to violence and urged the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to prosecute politicians financing criminal gangs.
The church leaders also expressed concern over rising cases of hate speech and political incitement, accusing relevant state agencies of failing to act decisively.
They challenged the National Cohesion and Integration Commission and investigative agencies to strengthen enforcement measures against leaders spreading divisive rhetoric.
On the ongoing flooding crisis in Nairobi, the delegates blamed poor urban planning, blocked drainage systems and encroachment on riparian land for the destruction witnessed across the city since March 2026.
The council said many drainage projects exist only on paper despite continued loss of lives and property during heavy rains.
NCCK called for long-term investment in modern drainage infrastructure and stricter enforcement of environmental protection laws to safeguard riparian reserves.
The meeting also criticized challenges surrounding the implementation of the Social Health Authority (SHA), citing reports of corruption, fraudulent claims and lack of accountability within the healthcare system.
According to the delegates, inefficiencies in healthcare management continue to endanger vulnerable Kenyans, especially mothers and low-income families who rely on public health services.
On the economy, the church leaders warned that the rising cost of food, fuel and basic commodities is pushing millions of Kenyans deeper into financial distress.
They urged the government to lower fuel taxes, reduce unnecessary public spending and invest heavily in agriculture to stabilize food prices and improve livelihoods.
The delegates further raised concerns over the credibility of the electoral process, emphasizing the need for transparency and public trust in the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
They cautioned against any attempts at political interference within the commission and called for accountability in voter registration and transfer processes.
At the same time, NCCK criticized premature political campaigns, urging the IEBC to enforce electoral timelines and regulations.
The council also reaffirmed the church’s neutrality in political matters, announcing stricter guidelines that will prohibit politicians from addressing congregants during worship services or publicly displaying donations made to churches.
The statement, signed on May 6, 2026, by Rev. Dr. Alphonce Kanga, concluded with a pledge by the church to continue championing justice, accountability, peace and human dignity across the country.
