Story: By Judith Mwai Staff 6th May 2026
Nairobi, Kenya
The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has issued a scathing assessment of the state of the nation, condemning what it called a “transactional political culture” that is fueling violence, poverty, and institutional decay ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Delegates from NCCK member churches in Nairobi, Kiambu, Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera met for two days at the YMCA Central Conference Hall under the Theme
Strengthening Governance, Accountability, and Trust for Credible Elections.’_ In a strongly worded statement, the church body said Kenya’s democratic ideals are being overshadowed by elite interests at the expense of ordinary citizens.
- End ‘Goonism’
NCCK decried the entrenchment of goonism” in politics, describing it as a “goon economy” that exploits unemployed youth. With 67% of young Kenyans lacking meaningful work, the council said political elites are “commodifying their desperation” by paying as little as KSh 200-500 to disrupt meetings or intimidate opponents.
“We condemn this weaponization of poverty, which converts our children into disposable infantry for the political elite,” the statement read.
NCCK called on the Registrar of Political Parties to deregister any party funding youth violence and urged the Director of Public Prosecutions to target “sponsors” who bankroll goons. - Punish Hate Speech
Citing Proverbs 6:19, the council challenged the NCIC, KNCHR, CAJ, DCI, and DPP to take “visible, timely and punitive action” against politicians spewing hate. “If you are too intimidated to do your work, then it is high time you resign,” the delegates said. - Nairobi Flooding Crisis
NCCK said Nairobi has become the “epicentre of a recurring tragedy,” with intense rains since early March claiming at least 66 lives through drowning and electrocution. The council blamed “systemic urban planning failures” and said drainage projects “exist only on paper” while being used as campaign tools.
It demanded an “immediate, transparent overhaul” of Nairobi’s drainage systems with permanent, engineered solutions, not temporary fixes. - SHA and Healthcare Graft
The church body flagged “financial leakages” in the Social Health Authority transition, citing Auditor General reports of KSh 11 billion lost to fraudulent claims in six months. Meanwhile, maternal mortality remains high, with up to 6,000 women dying annually from preventable causes.
“Access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right, not a commodity to be traded for political loyalty,” NCCK said. - High Cost of Living
NCCK noted that food and fuel prices continue to drive inflation, leaving over 30% of Kenyans surviving on less than KSh 1,300 per month. It called for a review of heavy fuel taxes, a cut in wasteful spending, and agricultural subsidies to lower food costs. The government, it added, must explain how debt servicing is balanced against poverty relief. - IEBC and Early Campaigns
While acknowledging new IEBC appointments, NCCK said “institutional trust remains fragile.” It demanded reversal of all involuntary voter transfers and a public audit of biometric database breaches. The council also told IEBC to “take firm action” against early campaigns: “If you cannot control them when they campaign illegally, how can we trust you to stop them rigging elections in 2027?” - Protect the Pulpit
NCCK committed to enforcing guidelines on ministering to politicians, stating that all politicians attending worship will be treated equally.
The council said its intervention is rooted in a commitment to justice and human dignity, warning that impunity and failed social contracts threaten Kenya’s peace.