Religious Leaders Warned: Reject Dirty Money Ahead of 2027 Polls.

Religious Leaders Warned: Reject Dirty Money Ahead of 2027 Polls.

EACC Chairperson Dr. David Oginde addresses the National Stakeholders’ Convention on Democratic, Credible and Peaceful 2027 Elections at Ufungamano House, Nairobi, on September 3, 2026.

By Jeff Oyugi

Nairobi - September 3, 2026

Religious leaders have been challenged to shut the door on politicians seeking to use proceeds of corruption, money laundering and unexplained wealth to influence the 2027 General Election, with the Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission warning that accepting illicit funds could entrench a cycle of corruption and compromise the country’s democratic choices.

EACC Chairperson Dr David Oginde said politicians who depend on questionable financiers to fund their campaigns could later be forced to repay the favour through inflated government tenders, manipulated procurement processes and other corrupt dealings once they gain power.

“There is no way we are going to build a society of integrity if we are beneficiaries of illicit resources,” Oginde said.

He was speaking at the National Stakeholders’ Convention at Ufungamano House in Nairobi, where more than 150 religious leaders, electoral stakeholders, civil society representatives and other actors gathered to discuss ways of protecting the 2027 electoral process.

Oginde said the growing influence of money in politics risked turning elections into contests of financial muscle rather than platforms where Kenyans choose leaders based on integrity, competence, values and policies.

He challenged religious institutions, which wield considerable influence within communities, to scrutinise the source of funds offered to them and resist becoming vehicles for legitimising wealth acquired through corruption.

The EACC chairperson warned that illicit campaign financing does not end with elections, saying it can create obligations that politicians may seek to settle using public resources after taking office.

He said such arrangements could undermine public procurement and divert resources from essential services as elected officials seek to reward individuals and networks that financed their political ambitions.

The warning came as stakeholders intensified calls for a more accountable and peaceful political environment ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The convention was organised by the National Council of Churches of Kenya, Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims and the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya to strengthen cooperation among religious organisations, electoral institutions, civil society and citizens.

National Cohesion and Integration Commission Commissioner Joseph Nguyo separately urged Kenyans to remain vigilant against threats to national unity, particularly hate speech, ethnic incitement and politically motivated violence.

Nguyo said protecting the independence of institutions mandated to promote national cohesion would be critical as political competition gathers momentum.

He called on citizens to report incidents that threaten peace and unity, stressing that early intervention could prevent political disagreements from escalating into wider conflict.

The commissioner said the NCIC was also engaging political leaders and public officials to promote responsible leadership and encourage issue based politics ahead of the elections.

Stakeholders at the forum said the protection of Kenya’s democratic space requires active participation from citizens rather than leaving the responsibility to electoral and security institutions alone.

They urged Kenyans to ask difficult questions about campaign financing, political leadership and the conduct of candidates while rejecting attempts to exploit ethnic, religious or social divisions for political gain.

The discussions also highlighted the importance of public trust in electoral institutions and the need for stronger collaboration among state agencies, political parties, religious organisations, civil society and ordinary citizens.

As Kenya approaches another potentially competitive election, participants warned that democracy can be weakened gradually when corruption, political intolerance and hate speech are normalised.

Religious leaders were therefore urged to use their platforms to promote integrity and peaceful political engagement while refusing to endorse individuals or resources whose origins are questionable.

The stakeholders said the success of the 2027 elections would ultimately depend not only on how votes are cast and counted, but also on the integrity of the political environment in which Kenyans make their choices.

They called for a political culture in which leadership is earned through ideas, accountability and service rather than purchased through illicit wealth, intimidation or manipulation of voters.