NCCK CALLS FOR END TO POLITICAL VIOLENCE, BACKS Gen Z PUSH FOR ACCOUNTABILITY.

BY NJOKI KARANJA 

LIMURU, Kenya, June 25, 2026.

The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has issued a strong pastoral letter condemning politically sponsored violence, calling on Kenyans to reject corruption and impunity, and urging young people to actively shape the country's future ahead of the 2027 General Election.

In the statement titled "Arise, Awake, For Your Time Has Come," released after a two-day Executive Committee meeting at Jumuia Conference and Country Home in Limuru, the church warned that Kenya is facing a deep moral, governance and socio-economic crisis driven by corruption, weak institutions, abuse of human rights and premature political campaigns.

The NCCK strongly condemned the growing trend of politicians allegedly recruiting unemployed youth to disrupt public gatherings and protests, describing the practice as "immoral, diabolical and against God." The council also criticized what it termed the apparent collaboration between hired goons and security agencies.

The church challenged the Inspector General of Police to ensure that those financing and organizing political violence are arrested and prosecuted, warning that he would be held personally accountable for failures under his leadership.

Addressing the youth, the NCCK urged them to reject involvement in violence, vandalism and attacks on places of worship, citing the recent invasion of All Saints Cathedral as an example of unacceptable conduct.

On the economy, the council described the rising cost of living as unbearable, blaming over-taxation, a hostile business environment and unemployment for pushing many Kenyans into poverty. It accused political leaders of exploiting economic hardship to influence voters through handouts and urged citizens not to trade their votes for short-term benefits.

The church also called on Kenyans to demand greater transparency and accountability from elected and appointed leaders, saying corruption continues to undermine national development. It encouraged citizens to reject bribery and actively hold public officials accountable for their actions.

With the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) having released the 2027 election calendar, the NCCK welcomed the move but challenged the commission to restore public confidence by delivering free, fair, credible and transparent elections.

The council further criticized poor public service delivery, pointing to deteriorating infrastructure, inadequate drainage systems and what it described as the failure of the Social Health Authority (SHA) and Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) to provide effective healthcare, leaving many Kenyans to pay medical expenses out of pocket.

In a strong message to the country's youth, the church praised the Gen Z movement for championing accountability and reform, saying young people have a historic responsibility to shape Kenya's future. It condemned the continued use of excessive force against peaceful protesters and appealed for an end to killings and injuries during demonstrations.

The NCCK encouraged young people to register as voters, seek elective office and participate actively in political parties, churches and community leadership.

The church also expressed concern over the recent increase in cases of child abductions and killings, calling for thorough investigations and swift prosecution of those responsible.

To safeguard the integrity of places of worship, the council unveiled revised guidelines governing engagement with political leaders. The new framework bars political campaigning inside churches, discourages politically driven fundraising, prohibits violence and hate speech in church spaces, and emphasizes civic education while maintaining clergy neutrality.

Concluding its message, the NCCK urged all Kenyans to work together in building a just, peaceful and accountable nation while extending condolences to families who lost loved ones during the Gen Z demonstrations and the recent fire at Utumishi Academy.

The pastoral letter was signed on June 25, 2026, following the NCCK Executive Committee meeting in Limuru.