The Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) has raised alarms over the escalating political tensions and premature campaigning ahead of the August 10, 2022 General Election, warning that the nation risks reliving the 2007 post-election violence that left 1,500 dead and 600,000 displaced. Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit, head of the ACK, emphasized that no political office justifies the loss of innocent lives, urging rival factions to prioritize peace over competition. The church’s statement comes as security agencies face pressure to address the growing recruitment of unemployed youth as political enforcers, a trend it describes as a 'recipe for disaster.'","The ACK has condemned systemic issues including corruption, mismanagement of public resources, and failures in public healthcare, which it links to the broader 'toxic political atmosphere.' In a direct appeal to the Independent and Electoral Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the church reiterated its demand for the body to uphold its commitment to conducting a 'free, fair, and credible' election. It also called on security forces to enforce the law impartially, warning that inaction could exacerbate divisions. The church’s statement highlights the urgency of addressing divisive party mobilization, youth recruitment, and intimidation tactics as the electoral cycle intensifies.","While acknowledging the competitive nature of the election—from grassroots contests to the presidential race—the ACK urged politicians to reject incitement and instead foster stability. The church’s stance aligns with broader concerns about the impact of corruption, which it describes as 'the nation’s deepest wound,' diverting resources from critical services. Public healthcare challenges and rising taxation further compound the public’s frustration, according to the report. The call for accountability extends to all stakeholders, with the church emphasizing that electoral integrity depends on transparency and adherence to the rule of law.","As the nation approaches the 2022 polls, the ACK’s intervention underscores the critical role of civil society in safeguarding democratic norms. The church’s warnings come amid heightened scrutiny of the IEBC’s preparedness and the government’s ability to prevent violence. With the Rift Valley—a region historically prone to conflict—remaining a focal point of concern, the message from religious leaders is clear: the stakes for Kenya’s political future have never been higher. The coming months will test whether leaders heeded the call to prioritize peace over power.
Religious Leaders Urge Kenyan Politicians to Avoid Violence Ahead of 2022 Elections
Kenya Elections, Anglican Church, IEBC, Political Violence, Public Trust
Nyakundi Report Editorial Team
The Anglican Church of Kenya has called for an end to toxic political rhetoric and actions ahead of the 2022 General Election, citing risks of renewed violence and erosion of public confidence in democratic processes.
Kenya, elections, religious leaders, political violence, IEBC, ACK, 2022 General Election
Religious leaders in Kenya urge politicians to avoid violence and ensure a fair election process amid growing concerns over political tensions and past electoral conflicts.
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Nyakundi Report Editorial Team
Kenya, elections, religious leaders, political violence, IEBC, ACK, 2022 General Election
The Anglican Church of Kenya has called for an end to toxic political rhetoric and actions ahead of the 2022 General Election, citing risks of renewed violence and erosion of public confidence in democratic processes.