The National Council of Churches in Kenya NCCK has called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commmision IEBC to take action against leaders who have insinuated to plans and possibilities of rigging the 2027 general election.
The council led by its General secretary Canon Chris Kinyanjui has expressed disappointment that no action has been taken against the said leaders who are majorly drawn from President Ruto’s kenya kwanza coalition.
“One of the most troubling developments is the blatant, brazen and carefree manner in which known supporters of the ruling party have publicly declared that they will rig the 2027 elections in favour of the President.” The council has said.
The clergy have fingered the IEBC for keeping mum on the matter saying their inaction is eroding public confidence at a time that the Erastus Edong led commission needs the public to trust it the most.
“The IEBC did not even ask the political parties to which the individuals belong to confirm or disown the claims. This silence and seeming subservience of the IEBC to these claims is giving credence to fears by Kenyans that there are plans for the 2027 elections to be manipulated.” The council has warned.
The church caucus has noted with concern the waning confidence level on the commission citing opinion polls that reveal that only 26% of Kenyans are confident that the IEBC can deliver free, fair and credible elections.
NCCK has further called on the commission and state agencies to address the issue of goonism and election related violence.
They have recommended that the IEBC establishes multi-sectoral electoral violence earl warning-rapid action teams at all levels.
“The teams wound diffuse mobilisation of gangs, identify and document the financiers, and organize community peace structures to intervene in instances of violence. We in the NCCK will actively participate in such peace structures.” NCCK has said.
The church has prayed for God’s graces on the commission and its chair as it prepares to handle the upcoming general elections.
