Catholic Bishops Urge Politicians to Stop Early 2027 Campaigns

The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has called on politicians to stop premature campaigns ahead of the 2027 General Election.

In a statement dated February 13, 2025, the bishops expressed concern over the early political activities taking place across the country.

The statement was issued during a gathering at the Immaculate Conception Shrine in the Catholic Diocese of Lodwar, where they launched this year’s Lenten Campaign.

Speaking through their chairman, Archbishop Maurice Muhatia Makumba, the bishops said the early political campaigns were worrying and harmful to the country.

“This early jostling for positions ahead of the 2027 General Election is disturbing because it is riddled with inflammatory rhetoric, political thuggery and violence,” the statement read.

The bishops warned that premature campaigns are distracting leaders from their main responsibility of serving Kenyans. They urged politicians to focus on addressing the challenges facing citizens instead of engaging in early political competition.

The church leaders also criticised the government over rising cases of corruption, saying the vice continues to undermine public trust and service delivery. They further condemned violations of human rights, including the recent attack on worshippers at a church in Othaya, Nyeri County.

At the same time, the bishops encouraged young people to actively participate in the country’s civic and political processes. They urged the youth to register as voters and take part in shaping the nation’s future through lawful and peaceful means.