The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has directed priests across the country not to allow politicians to make political addresses in Catholic churches as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election.
In a statement issued in November 2026 following their gathering at the John Cardinal Njue Pastoral Centre in Embu, the bishops said places of worship must remain sacred spaces for prayer, peace and unity rather than platforms for political campaigns.
The bishops instructed all priests to implement the directive with diligence, stressing that churches welcome worshippers from different political backgrounds and should not be used to advance individual political interests.
They noted that politicians have other platforms through which they can seek votes, including the media, public barazas and roadside rallies.
The conference also raised concerns over the conduct of political campaigns, warning aspirants and their supporters against personal attacks, offensive language and statements that could fuel hatred and division.
According to the bishops, the official campaign period has not yet begun and political actors should exercise restraint in their public engagements. They called on all presidential candidates and other aspirants to make a public commitment to maintaining peace and political decency.
The bishops further urged young people to obtain national identification cards and register as voters ahead of next year's elections, encouraging them to participate in civic affairs and make informed choices when electing their leaders.
They cautioned young Kenyans against being recruited or financially enticed into political violence and other unlawful activities, urging them instead to use their creativity and social media skills to promote peace and protect others.
On electoral preparedness, the church leaders called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to strengthen public confidence by ensuring a free, fair and credible electoral process.
They urged the commission to establish clear mechanisms for voter registration, election logistics, training and conduct of electoral officials, protection and verification of results, management of party agents and the timely resolution of electoral complaints.
The bishops also insisted that the IEBC must remain independent and resist attempts by politicians and other powerful interests to intimidate or compromise its operations. They called on the Judiciary to handle electoral disputes with diligence and impartiality.
The statement further raised concerns about proposals to ban livestreaming of presidential vote tallying, warning that such legislation could undermine transparency and create unnecessary tension ahead of the elections.
The bishops urged parliamentary speakers to reject divisive legislation and prioritise measures that strengthen the Electoral Act and protect Kenyans' access to election information.
They also expressed concern over the six Education Bills before the National Assembly, arguing that some of their provisions depart from the consultative process undertaken through the Presidential Working Party on Education Reform and could weaken institutions that have served the country.
On human rights, the conference condemned reported abductions, enforced disappearances and harassment of civil society actors, journalists and human rights defenders.
It raised particular concern over incidents allegedly involving armed individuals working in collaboration with police officers, as well as cases where officers watched as goons harassed people exercising their constitutional freedoms.
The bishops called on security agencies to enforce the law impartially, regardless of political affiliation, while urging Kenyans to exercise freedom of expression responsibly and avoid inflammatory, tribal or hateful statements.
The conference also appealed for responsible leadership, accountability and national unity, warning against a return to political violence that has previously resulted in loss of lives and destruction of property.
As the festive season approaches, the bishops urged Kenyans to observe road safety, avoid intoxication and reckless driving to reduce road accidents.
They called on political leaders and citizens to place human dignity, justice, peace and the common good above ethnic, political and personal interests as the country approaches the next general elections.
