Archbishop Ole Sapit warns leaders against reckless political rhetoric
By Kenneth Mwenda, July 26, 2026ACK Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit has urged political leaders to avoid reckless political rhetoric, warning that careless speeches could threaten Kenya’s peace as the country prepares for the 2027 general election.
Speaking during a Sunday service in Busia County on July 26, 2026, the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Archbishop appealed to leaders and citizens to safeguard national unity by using responsible language.
Sapit said Kenya belongs to all its citizens and warned that inflammatory political statements could create unnecessary divisions among communities.
“I now want to urge all of us in the nation that in this year, when we are gearing towards election, let us all be peaceable,” Sapit said.
“We are one Kenya. We don’t have spare parts of this country. It is one nation. Let us build it together. Let us make it one together.”
The Archbishop reminded Kenyans that the country has no alternative homeland and urged leaders to place national unity above political competition.
“We have no other country if we destroy our nation,” he said.
“So let us turn our speeches, our tongues, because they are the very matchbox that can ignite sparks in our nation. We don’t want that to happen,” he said.
“We want peace. And we assure you, Your Excellency, of our prayers, that we want to see a peaceful Kenya.”
His remarks come as political activity continues to intensify across the country ahead of the 2027 polls, with leaders holding rallies and public meetings in different regions.
The Archbishop’s message echoes repeated calls by religious leaders for peaceful campaigns and responsible leadership to prevent tensions from escalating.
Religious leaders call peace
Earlier this month, Catholic Bishop Cleophas Oseso Tuka of the Diocese of Nakuru also appealed to politicians and their supporters to conduct peaceful and responsible campaigns.
The bishop urged leaders to avoid actions that could fuel violence and instead focus on presenting their policies to voters respectfully.
He also warned against the growing political tension reported in several parts of the country, saying Kenyans should not allow themselves to be used to incite violence or create unrest.
The Catholic bishop recalled the painful effects of previous election-related violence, noting that many families still live with the physical and emotional consequences of past conflicts.
He urged politicians to compete through ideas rather than inflammatory language.
“If we must speak, let us do so in ways that do not offend or provoke others. If it is about policies, let politicians present their manifestos and allow people to make their own decisions freely,” Bishop Oseso said.
Kenya has experienced election-related violence in previous years, making calls for peaceful campaigns an important message from religious leaders as the country moves closer to the next General Election.