Catholic Bishops Challenge IEBC to Ensure Credible Elections, Condemn Goonism and Abductions

By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

The bishops said the commission must put in place clear mechanisms for voter registration, election logistics, training of electoral officials, protection and verification of results, management of party agents and speedy resolution of electoral disputes.

In a press statement issued on Wednesday at the John Cardinal Njue Pastoral Centre in Embu, the bishops said the IEBC's primary responsibility was to ensure credible elections, warning against interference from politicians and other powerful interests. "We therefore make a clarion call to the IEBC that their primary mandate is to deliver free, fair and credible elections," the bishops stated.

They further challenged the commission to "resist every attempt by politicians or other powerful interests to intimidate, manipulate, or compromise its work," saying public confidence was essential in ensuring election results receive broad acceptance.

The religious leaders also called on the Judiciary to dispense justice with diligence and impartiality, particularly in matters relating to the electoral process, warning that mistakes witnessed in previous elections, which led to loss of lives and destruction of property, should not be repeated.

On freedom of speech and human rights, the bishops expressed concern over increasing violations of constitutional freedoms as the country approaches the 2027 elections. "We are concerned that the freedom of speech in our country is being tested on all fronts, and frequently contravened especially as we head to the 2027 General Elections," they said.

They defended the rights of civil society organisations, the media and human rights defenders to raise concerns on matters of national importance, noting that these freedoms were constitutionally guaranteed.

Of particular concern, the bishops said, was the continued occurrence of abductions, enforced disappearances and harassment, with some incidents allegedly involving armed individuals working in collaboration with the police. "However, we sadly note that incidents of abductions, enforced disappearances, and harassment continue," the statement read.

They also condemned instances where police officers allegedly allow goons to intimidate people exercising their constitutional freedoms. "In other cases, the police watch as goons harass legitimate actors exercising their right to freedom of expression," the bishops stated.

The church called on security agencies to remain impartial in enforcing the law, regardless of political affiliations, while condemning violations of freedom of expression and association.

The bishops further reiterated their opposition to political violence, stating that the country must reject "the culture of goons and all forms of political violence and threats to life."

They cautioned political leaders against inflammatory, tribal, hateful and demeaning statements, warning that careless political utterances could undermine the peace the country has enjoyed.

The religious leaders urged political aspirants, particularly presidential candidates, to make a public commitment to maintaining peace and political decency throughout the campaign period.

They called on Kenyans to choose dialogue over confrontation, accountability over impunity and solidarity over division as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election.