A section of church leaders has come out to voice concern over the 2027 polls following a series of chaos witnessed in parts of the country during the Thursday, November 27, 2025, by-elections.

Addressing the press on Saturday, November 29, 2025, the Pentecostal churches under the umbrella of the Pentecostal Voices of Kenya warned that the 2027 polls could be marred by violence if the security organs and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) fail to act.

The religious caucus led by its chair, Peter Manyuru, argued that the violence recorded in some regions where the mini-polls took place cannot be wished away, insisting the 2027 general election would require IEBC and the security apparatus to step up preparedness.

“Tumekuja kulaani kama kanisa yale vitendo ya violence na malpractice,” Manyuru stated.

Manyuru’s sentiments were echoed by Habil Olembo, Secretary General of Pentecostal Voices of Kenya, who condemned the violence and questioned the country’s preparedness for the 2027 polls.

“The chaos was worrying, and it is an indication of the turmoil we are likely to witness in 2027. Elections are supposed to be a substitute for violence and anarchy,” Olembo added.

Malpractice

Besides the violence, the men of the cloth also raised the red flag on electoral malpractices witnessed during the mini-polls, such as vote bribery and intimidation of electoral officials.

“In Mbeere North, we witnessed reports of blatant bribery and misuse of state machinery,” Olembo detailed.

On IEBC penalties

To help curb violence, the clergy asked IEBC to impose stiffer penalties on candidates found culpable of engaging in electoral malpractice in future elections.

This is after the commission fined Kasipul MP-elect Boyd Were and independent candidate Philip Aroko Ksh1 million each following the violence that was witnessed during campaigns that led to the death of two people.

“Tungependa IEBC ichukue hatua zaidi. Isikuwe tu wanapewa warning ama fines. IEBC iende zaidi iwabar from kuwa in any elective position,” Manyuru said.

“We call upon all concerned government agencies, IEBC and NCIC, to be firm and proactive. They should not turn a blind eye in pursuit of government-allied politicians,” Olembo reiterated.