Catholic Bishops Criticize Politicians Over Premature Campaigns
The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has raised serious concerns about the early involvement of faith leaders and politicians in partisan politics as the 2027 elections approach. In a strong statement, the bishops condemned the rise of ethnic politics, warning that this trend is causing deepening divisions in the country.
Archbishop Maurice Muhatia Makumba expressed his worry over the shift of focus from national development to election campaigns, stating that the premature start of political campaigns diverts attention from pressing matters of national importance.
He emphasized that, “This early onset of political campaigns diverts critical attention from national development, shifting focus to the spectacle of election campaigns.”
The bishops also pointed out the dangers of ethnic politics, which they said are being manipulated for political gain and are contributing to increased violence and societal divisions. “The exploitation of ethnic identities for political violence and deep societal fractures” was a major concern raised by the church leadership.
These remarks come as both the government and opposition continue to travel across the country, often presenting these trips as consultation or development tours. President William Ruto has already visited the western, northeastern, and coastal regions this year and is scheduled to make another visit to Nyanza next week.
Meanwhile, opposition leaders, led by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, have been holding various public functions where they criticize the government and discuss their plans for the 2027 election, despite it being over two years away.
In addition to these political moves, figures like former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua have begun what he calls “consultative meetings” at his Wamunyoror residence, signaling their preparations for the upcoming election.
Former presidential candidate Raila Odinga’s running mate, Martha Karua, also made headlines this week by rebranding her NARC-Kenya party to the People’s Liberation Party (PLP) in anticipation of the next election.
While the bishops have called out this early politicking, they have also stressed the urgent need for the formation of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to oversee by-elections in constituencies that are currently without representation.
“We call for immediate updating of the voter register and the prompt conduct of by-elections for the vacant seats,” the bishops said, adding that efforts should continue to register and review voters, especially among the youth, to ensure they have a voice in the next election.
In response to these developments, the IEBC has announced that it will cost over Ksh 60 billion to conduct the next general election, a figure that has raised eyebrows and sparked debate across the country.
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