Clergy condemn political violence, demand action against sponsors of hired goons
By Viola Kosome and Kepher Otieno, July 17, 2026Church leaders have condemned the rising cases of politically instigated violence across the country, accusing some politicians of exploiting unemployed youth to attack perceived opponents and urging security agencies to identify and prosecute those behind the attacks.
Speaking in Kisumu on Friday, July 17, 2026, after a leadership breakfast meeting that brought together county officials, national government representatives, business leaders, learning institutions and financial sector players, Presiding Bishop of Christ Is the Answer Ministries (CITAM) Kalisto Odede warned that Kenya was witnessing a worrying trend in which young people were being turned into political weapons.
Odede said some politicians were enticing unemployed youth with as little as Ksh500 or Ksh1,000 to disrupt political activities and attack rival camps, describing the practice as a threat to democracy, peace and national cohesion.
“It is very unfortunate that some of our leaders are giving young people Ksh500 or Ksh1,000 to attack their opponents. Politics should remain a democratic space where people express differing opinions without resorting to violence,” he said.
The bishop noted that similar incidents had recently been reported in Kisumu, Kisii, Ol Kalou and Nyahururu, with some attacks resulting in deaths and destruction of property.
Focus on financiers and organisers of violence
He urged security agencies to move beyond arresting perpetrators on the ground and instead pursue those financing and organising the violence.
“Our condolences go to families that have lost their loved ones. We urge security agencies to identify the sponsors of these young people and bring them to book,” he said.
Odede also questioned incidents where attacks allegedly occurred in the presence of security officers, citing reports of journalists being assaulted and their equipment confiscated by masked gunmen during recent unrest in Ol Kalou.
He expressed concern over what he termed apparent impunity, saying the attackers appeared to operate without fear of arrest.
“We pray that there is no third force operating outside the normal government chain of command. The government should investigate these incidents and ensure those responsible are held accountable,” he said.
The bishop made the remarks after hosting the leadership forum, which sought to promote integrity, accountability and good governance among leaders from different sectors.
Odede said the initiative, which has now been held in 10 counties including Marsabit, Homa Bay, Kisii, Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Mombasa, Meru, Nyeri and Kericho, is designed to strengthen partnerships between the church and leaders in promoting transparency, accountability and responsible management of public resources.
He challenged leaders to put the interests of citizens above political competition, saying sustainable development and lasting peace can only be achieved where leaders uphold integrity, respect the Constitution and embrace inclusive governance.
According to Odede, the church has a responsibility that goes beyond spiritual matters by encouraging leaders to serve with honesty and create conditions that enable communities to thrive peacefully.
Responding to concerns that the church had become too close to political leaders, Odede rejected claims that the clergy had abandoned its prophetic role.
He said while the church was not an opposition movement, it would continue speaking out whenever justice, peace and the welfare of Kenyans were threatened.
“The role of the church is not to oppose the government but to raise its voice on matters of justice and the well-being of the nation. We have continued to do so, especially whenever issues affecting Kenyans arise,” he said.