EAK Ushers in New Leadership, Calls for National Renewal, Electoral Reforms and Accountable Governance

EAK Ushers in New Leadership, Calls for National Renewal, Electoral Reforms and Accountable Governance

EAK National Chairman Bishop Calisto Odede addresses the media alongside General Secretary Rev. Kepha Nyandega in Nairobi following the Alliance's call for electoral reforms, national unity and responsible leadership.

By Jeff Oyugi 

Nairobi - June 19, 2026

The Evangelical Alliance of Kenya (EAK) has called for national prayer, responsible political leadership, electoral reforms, economic accountability and education sector improvements, warning that Kenya's future depends on collective action from government, citizens, institutions and the Church.

Speaking during the Alliance's Annual General Meeting (AGM), EAK General Secretary and Chief Executive Officer Rev. Kepha Nyandega said the gathering brought together evangelical churches, Christian organizations and institutions from across the country to reflect on the state of the Church and the nation while charting a path forward for Kenya.

The meeting, held as the Alliance marked more than five decades of evangelical ministry and public engagement, reaffirmed EAK's commitment to serving as a moral and spiritual voice in national affairs.

"We reaffirm our commitment to serving as the salt of the earth and the light of the world, speaking prophetically to the issues of our time while offering hope and practical pathways toward national renewal," Nyandega said.

A key highlight of the AGM was a major leadership transition within the organization. EAK paid tribute to outgoing National Chairman Bishop Philip Kitoto, praising his contribution to strengthening the evangelical movement during his tenure.

The AGM elected Bishop Calisto Odede as the new National Chairman, with Bishop Dr. Robert Langat elected Vice Chairman, Rev. Lydia Besseling Wanjiah elected Honorary Treasurer and Rev. Kepha Nyandega continuing as General Secretary. The election of Rev. Wanjiah followed the completion of Rev. Ambrose Nyangau's term as National Treasurer.

The new leadership pledged to strengthen unity among evangelical churches and enhance the Alliance's role in addressing pressing national concerns.

Addressing the country's social, political and economic challenges, EAK renewed its support for the Kenya National Prayer and Transformation Movement launched on May 4, 2026. The movement seeks to mobilize Christians nationwide around prayer, repentance, discipleship and civic responsibility.

The Alliance urged churches, families, institutions and believers to actively participate in the initiative, arguing that sustainable national transformation requires moral renewal and value-based leadership.

As Kenya gradually shifts attention toward the 2027 General Election, EAK commended the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for ongoing voter registration efforts but expressed concern that the number of newly registered voters remains significantly below the commission's target of six million.

The organization particularly encouraged young people to register as voters and participate in the democratic process.

At the same time, EAK called on Parliament to fast-track pending electoral reforms and legislation necessary to strengthen public confidence in electoral institutions and processes.

The Alliance further appealed for peaceful political engagement ahead of the elections, warning against divisive rhetoric, ethnic mobilization and hate speech.

"We call upon all political leaders to desist from inflammatory rhetoric, ethnic mobilization, hate speech and divisive political narratives that threaten national cohesion," the statement said.

EAK also challenged the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to enforce its mandate more firmly and impartially by taking action against individuals and groups promoting hatred, intolerance and incitement.

The church umbrella body expressed alarm over what it described as increasing incidents of organized violence, political intimidation and destruction of property in various parts of the country.

It strongly condemned the use of criminal gangs and political violence to disrupt lawful activities and urged security agencies to act decisively against perpetrators regardless of their political affiliations.

On economic matters, EAK called on the government to exercise prudence and accountability in the management of public resources as Kenyans continue to grapple with the high cost of living.

The Alliance urged authorities to reduce wasteful expenditure, intensify the fight against corruption, strengthen accountability mechanisms and prioritize investments in education and healthcare.

It also called for targeted relief measures for vulnerable households and economic stimulus interventions aimed at supporting job creation, agriculture, youth enterprises and small businesses.

In the education sector, EAK acknowledged government efforts to improve teacher-to-learner ratios through the recruitment of nearly 100,000 teachers and reforms in tertiary education.

However, the organization raised concerns over delays in releasing government-sponsored student funding to private universities, saying the situation continues to affect institutional operations.

The Alliance also called for broad consultations regarding the Competency-Based Education (CBE) framework and supported the ongoing review process involving teachers, parents, faith communities and education experts.

Additionally, EAK expressed reservations about proposals to integrate Duksi and Madrassa institutions into Kenya's formal education system.

While supporting efforts to address educational marginalization in underserved regions, the Alliance argued that reforms must remain anchored in constitutional principles, equality and a unified national education framework.

According to EAK, any changes affecting the structure of national education should undergo comprehensive public participation and constitutional scrutiny before implementation.

The organization further voiced concern over recurring unrest in schools, attributing the trend to deeper issues involving student welfare, mentorship, mental health and communication between learners and school administrators.

It urged the government to ensure timely capitation to schools while strengthening counseling, chaplaincy and psychosocial support programmes for learners.

In the health sector, EAK welcomed progress made under the Social Health Authority (SHA) and efforts toward universal health coverage. However, it noted that many hospitals, particularly mission-owned facilities, continue to face financial challenges due to delayed government remittances.

The Alliance called for improved healthcare financing, affordable medical services and greater attention to maternal health, child health, mental health and services for marginalized communities.

Newly elected National Chairman Bishop Calisto Odede also raised concerns about reports of hostility and restrictions affecting some Christian groups in parts of the country.

He emphasized that freedom of worship is constitutionally protected and urged authorities to ensure all Kenyans can practice and propagate their faith without intimidation or discrimination.

Bishop Odede said the Church must continue playing its prophetic role by championing truth, justice, reconciliation and integrity while caring for vulnerable members of society.

"The challenges facing our nation cannot be addressed by government alone," he said. "They require the collective responsibility of citizens, institutions, communities and the Church."

Despite the challenges highlighted, EAK expressed optimism about Kenya's future, saying the country possesses the people, resources and capacity necessary to overcome its difficulties.

The Alliance called on Kenyans to reject corruption, violence, division and despair and instead embrace integrity, accountability, compassion and responsible citizenship as the nation prepares for the future.

Concluding the AGM, church leaders urged Christians across the country to dedicate time to prayer for peace, economic recovery, righteous leadership and national unity, expressing confidence that Kenya can achieve lasting transformation through collective responsibility and faith-driven action.