KISUMU, Kenya, Jun 15 — The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) has launched a series of stakeholder engagements aimed at preparing political parties and other key players for the 2027 General Election.
Speaking in Kisumu on Monday during a meeting that brought together leaders from political parties across the country’s Nyanza region, ORPP Nyanza Regional Coordinator Ezekiel Obonyo said the initiative seeks to assess the level of preparedness among election stakeholders and address emerging challenges well ahead of the polls.
Obonyo noted that early planning is essential to ensuring a smooth electoral process and avoiding last-minute rushes that have previously undermined election preparedness.
“We do not want to start running around at the last minute. We are preparing the ground now to ensure that everything runs smoothly as we gear towards the 2027 elections,” he said.
The meeting brought together representatives from all fully registered political parties, with more engagements scheduled throughout the week.
According to Obonyo, the ORPP will also hold discussions with women leaders, youth representatives, civil society organizations, faith-based groups, and persons with disabilities to better understand their needs and expectations ahead of the elections.
He emphasized the importance of inclusivity in the electoral process, saying the voices of women, youth, and marginalized groups must be heard and considered in election planning.
“We want more women in leadership, we want more youth in leadership, but above all, we want a peaceful environment where every party can sell its ideologies and thrive,” Obonyo said.
The engagements have also brought together other institutions involved in election management and governance, including the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC), and the National Police Service.
According to Obonyo, collaboration among these institutions is critical in addressing concerns around security and participation, particularly for women, youth, and persons with disabilities who often face unique challenges during election periods.
“They have to be assured of their security. The police, IEBC, and ORPP must give confidence that the electoral environment will be free, fair, and accessible to all,” he said.
The ORPP official further underscored the need for political parties to comply with legal requirements and uphold democratic values as the country moves closer to the next election cycle.
He said the Registrar’s office is committed to creating a level playing field where all political parties have equal opportunities to compete and engage voters peacefully.
“As ORPP, we must level the ground so that every player in this process gets a fair chance. Our role is to prepare political parties and ensure they comply with the requirements of the law,” Obonyo stated.
The stakeholder forums are expected to generate recommendations that will guide preparations for the 2027 elections while promoting peaceful political participation and strengthening democratic institutions.
Homa Bay County IEBC election manager Fredrick Apopa expressed concern over the growing trend of organizing youths into groups that engage in intimidation, violence, and disruption against individuals with differing political opinions.
“Such activities threaten peace, cohesion, and democratic participation, and I urge political actors to promote tolerance and respect for diverse viewpoints,” he said.
He emphasized that violence and lawlessness have no place in a democratic society, warning that continued clashes among rival groups could undermine development and stability within communities.
Apopa revealed that discussions with youth leaders are planned in the coming days to better understand the causes of the problem and explore practical solutions to curb the trend.
The election manager also used the forum to remind residents that continuous voter registration remains ongoing despite the conclusion of the enhanced voter registration exercise.
