KISUMU, Kenya, Jun 18 – Civil society organisations and faith-based groups have pledged to intensify efforts aimed at promoting peaceful politics, civic engagement and voter awareness ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The commitment was made during a consultative forum convened by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) in Kisumu on Thursday, bringing together representatives from civil society organisations, religious institutions, electoral bodies and government agencies.
The meeting formed part of an ongoing week-long series of stakeholder engagements across the Nyanza region focused on strengthening political tolerance and preventing election-related conflict ahead of the next polls.
Speaking during the forum, Kisumu County Accountability Alliance Coordinator Kennedy Anjejo said civil society groups remain committed to protecting democratic gains while advocating for reforms that encourage peaceful political competition.
“We are not in pursuit of power. Our role is to safeguard the rights and interests of vulnerable members of society while creating platforms where dialogue and understanding can thrive,” said Anjejo.
He noted that stakeholders were using the consultations to reflect on lessons learnt during the 2022 General Election and identify areas that require improvement before the country heads to the polls again.
According to Anjejo, many of the political challenges experienced during election periods stem from poor leadership and failure to uphold existing laws rather than gaps in legislation.
“Some of these challenges do not require new laws. In many cases, it is about responsible leadership, political maturity and respecting the laws already in place,” he said.
The consultations followed earlier meetings involving political parties, women leaders and youth groups, with participants agreeing that peace, inclusion and political tolerance must remain central to preparations for the 2027 elections.
ORPP Nyanza Regional Coordinator Ezekiel Obonyo said the engagement was intended to bring together all stakeholders in order to develop a common framework for peaceful elections.
“We recognize the important role civil society organisations play in amplifying the voices of citizens who may not otherwise have access to larger platforms,” said Obonyo.
He revealed that the consultations would culminate in the signing of a peace and accountability charter by political actors, civil society groups, religious leaders and other stakeholders in the region.
“We will be signing charters where each stakeholder commits to peace, tolerance and coexistence as we prepare for the 2027 General Election,” he said.
Obonyo added that the multi-sectoral approach had enabled collaboration between security agencies, political players, civil society organisations and faith groups in addressing emerging concerns such as political violence and the use of hired gangs during political events.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) also used the platform to encourage increased voter registration, particularly among young people.
Homa Bay County Elections Manager Fredrick Apopa urged civil society organisations to support ongoing voter mobilisation campaigns across the region.
“We are urging those who have not yet registered as voters, especially young people, to come forward and register ahead of next year’s electoral processes,” said Apopa.
He noted that voter registration services remain available at constituency IEBC offices and designated Huduma Centres, adding that civic education campaigns would play a key role in boosting public participation.
Apopa also appealed for tolerance among political leaders and supporters despite differing political views.
“We remain one people and one country. We should not resort to violence because of political differences,” he said.
Faith-based organisations also reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence through community outreach and civic awareness programmes.
National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) Western and Nyanza Regional representative Rev. Caroline Okutoyi said churches were partnering with electoral agencies and other stakeholders to spread peace messages and encourage voter registration.
“We are using every available platform, including sermons and community gatherings, to preach peace and civic responsibility,” said Rev. Okutoyi.
She added that churches would continue leveraging worship services, weddings, funerals and other social gatherings to encourage harmony and responsible citizenship as the country moves closer to the 2027 General Election.
