Stakeholders Call for Inclusive Dialogue Ahead of 2027 General Election

By Faith wanza mueni 

Photo: Moses alutalala mukhwana Commissioner at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission(IEBC)

NAIROBI, Sept. 3, 2026 — Religious leaders, government representatives, civil society organisations and other stakeholders have called for sustained dialogue, accountability and practical measures to safeguard Kenya’s democratic space ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The call was made during the National Stakeholders’ Convention on “Democratic, Credible and Peaceful 2027 Elections”, being held from September 2 to 3 at Ufungamano House in Nairobi.

The two-day convention brings together key actors in the democratic and electoral space to assess Kenya’s preparedness for the next General Election, identify potential risks and develop measures to promote a peaceful and credible electoral process.

The forum is convened under the Kenya Religious Leaders Forum by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), Evangelical Alliance of Kenya (EAK), Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) and National Council of Churches in Kenya (NCCK).

The stakeholders are focusing on electoral preparedness, democratic participation, peaceful political engagement and mechanisms for preventing disruptions before, during and after the 2027 electoral cycle.

Representing the Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), Commissioner Dr. Alutalala Mukhwana outlined the Commission’s level of preparedness for the elections and reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a credible, transparent and peaceful electoral process.

Mukhwana urged religious leaders and other stakeholders to play their respective roles in strengthening the country’s democratic processes while holding electoral institutions accountable.

He also called for dialogue as a means of addressing emerging challenges and sustaining peace as the country approaches the elections.

He urged stakeholders to embrace dialogue as a means of “charting the country’s peaceful path to 2027.”

The convention seeks to assess the readiness of constitutional bodies with electoral and security mandates, while identifying risks that could undermine democratic, credible and peaceful elections.

Participants are also expected to develop strategies, actions and commitments aimed at protecting the integrity of electoral outcomes and promoting responsible political participation throughout the electoral cycle.

Stakeholders stressed that national dialogue should go beyond discussions and result in concrete actions capable of addressing concerns raised by citizens and different sectors of society.

They called on leaders and institutions to listen to citizens, respond to legitimate concerns and ensure that recommendations arising from consultations are translated into measurable outcomes.

The forum provides a platform for representatives from different sectors to exchange views and develop common approaches to issues affecting the country.

Stakeholder engagement has increasingly become an important avenue for bringing together government, civil society, professionals, the private sector, religious organisations and citizens in policy discussions and decision-making.

The discussions come as Kenya begins preparations for the 2027 General Election, placing greater emphasis on peaceful political engagement, respect for democratic institutions and responsible civic participation.

The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) is participating in the convention, with its delegation led by Secretary General Sheikh Abdullahi Salat and Head of Religious Affairs Sheikh Yusuf Maki.

SUPKEM said its participation demonstrates the Council’s commitment to peaceful democratic engagement, national cohesion, responsible civic participation and credible electoral processes.

The Council said it supports an electoral environment in which all Kenyans can exercise their constitutional rights peacefully and freely, while faith communities contribute to the promotion of peace, justice and national unity.

Through its engagement with other religious organisations and national stakeholders, SUPKEM is expected to contribute to efforts aimed at preventing electoral-related tensions and strengthening peaceful coexistence.

The religious organisations said continued consultations among diverse groups remain critical in addressing the country’s social, economic and governance priorities.

The convention is expected to culminate in strategies and commitments that will guide stakeholders in contributing to a democratic, credible and peaceful 2027 electoral process.

The stakeholders further emphasised collective responsibility, urging institutions, political actors, religious leaders, civil society and citizens to work together to protect Kenya’s democratic gains and ensure that the electoral process is conducted peacefully and transparently.