Clergy calls for political tolerance ahead of 2027 General Election

A section of clergy from the Mt Kenya region has called for political tolerance and unity to safeguard the country’s stability ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

Speaking in Nyeri town on Tuesday, Archbishop Njoroge Munyori, the Nyeri County Director of the Kenya National Congress of Pentecostal Churches (KNCPC), warned that the country’s political environment is becoming increasingly volatile.

“The current political situation in our country is not pleasing at all,” said Archbishop Njoroge, who also heads the Four Square Gospel Churches of Kenya (FSGCK).

“That's why I'm appealing to our politicians to consider that our young people are the leaders of tomorrow,” he added.

He cautioned against inciting youths to violence, urging political leaders to promote unity and peace.

“We need to mind about our future generation and stop inciting our youths to cause chaos in any part of our country,” he added.

The Archbishop also expressed concern over a recent rise in mysterious abductions involving political leaders.

He cited the case of Juja MP George Koimburi, who was reportedly abducted on Sunday by unknown individuals and found the following day bearing serious injuries.

“The relevant government agencies should thoroughly investigate this abduction and other similar incidents that have occurred in the country,” he said.

Mr Njoroge further warned of rising tensions in parts of the Western region and Karatina town in Nyeri County.

“If these issues are not addressed on time, they could plunge the country into crisis. We are a peaceful people and have never anticipated such chaos,” said the Archbishop.

He urged peace-loving Kenyans to remain vigilant and not allow themselves to be manipulated into political violence.

“I appeal to politicians to be mindful of the statements they make in public. Stop making utterances that could divide Kenyans along tribal lines. We are all Kenyans," he noted.

Apostle Peter Gitahi of the Royal Priesthood Church echoed similar sentiments, calling for national unity and restraint.

“I appeal to all Kenyans to embrace peace because the recent protests we witnessed do not bode well for the country. If care is not taken, the protests could escalate into violence,” Mr Gitahi said.

Gitahi, who also serves as the Central Region Coordinator for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), recalled witnessing the horrors of the 2007 post-election violence while in Eldoret.

He emphasized the importance of respecting the Constitution and called for justice for victims of abductions and politically motivated violence.

“If someone has been abducted and injured, let the law take its course and the individuals behind the brutality be prosecuted accordingly,” he said.

He also urged his fellow clergy to remain neutral in their roles, calling on religious leaders to guide both government and citizens toward unity and development.

“As the clergy, we should not show allegiance to the government or the opposition. Our role is to remain impartial and stick to the gospel of Christ,” Mr Gitahi stated.

Meanwhile, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Friday warned against the resurgence of divisive politics.

He affirmed that the government would not tolerate the spread of hatred or disunity, either in the Mt Kenya region or across the country.

Speaking during a community empowerment event in Kiawara village, Kieni West Constituency, Nyeri County, Prof Kindiki emphasized the need for leaders to focus on development and service delivery.

“Mt Kenya has always been united and it will continue to remain so,” said Prof Kindiki.

“President William Ruto has supported leaders across the country. It's now our duty to focus on delivering services to Kenyans.”