The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has launched its 2026 Lenten Campaign in the Catholic Diocese of Lodwar, issuing a wide-ranging pastoral statement that calls for the protection of human dignity, responsible political leadership, electoral preparedness and an end to violence and intimidation ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

The theme of this years’ Lenten campaign is “Building a Just, Peaceful and United Kenya, Upholding Equity and Human Dignity.”

Speaking during the launch in Turkana County on February 13, Most Rev. Maurice Muhatia Makumba, the Chairman of KCCB, grounded the campaign in Catholic Social Teaching and underscored the Church’s concern over the country’s moral and political trajectory, affirming that the campaign is rooted in the principle of human dignity, which he described as inherent and inviolable.

“Human dignity lies at the heart of the Catholic Social Teaching. Every human person is created in the image and likeness of God; therefore, dignity is inherent, inviolable, and non-negotiable. It is not granted by the State, nor can it be taken away by any authority,” he said.

He lamented that many Kenyans continue to endure poverty, unemployment, hunger, corruption, insecurity and limited access to quality healthcare, education, water and housing, arguing that such realities amount to daily indignities.

“A nation cannot claim progress while a significant portion of its people live without hope or opportunity. Development that excludes the poor is neither just nor sustainable,” stated the Archbishop of Kisumu.

Concern over Premature Political Campaigns

Turning to the political climate, the KCCB Chair expressed alarm over early political mobilization ahead of the 2027 elections, warning that premature campaigns risk destabilizing the country: “As we get closer to the next electoral cycle, we are deeply concerned about the ongoing premature campaigns and political mobilization. This early jostling for positions ahead of the 2027 general election is disturbing because it is riddled with inflammatory rhetoric, political thuggery and violence.”

He cautioned leaders to halt early campaigns and refocus on service delivery, warning against hate speech, ethnic profiling and incitement, describing them as corrosive to national unity.

“We caution the leaders to stop these premature campaigns, as they are distracting them from their responsibility to serve the people and risk plunging the country into unnecessary tension. Politics must never become a battlefield for personal ambition at the expense of national cohesion and social harmony,” he counseled.

Governance, Corruption and Public Debt

In a strong critique of governance failures, Archbishop Muhatia cited entrenched corruption, misuse of public resources, weak accountability, and selective application of the rule of law, poor service delivery and rising public debt as persistent national challenges. He urged the Government to strengthen transparency and accountability mechanisms and to ensure meaningful citizen participation at all levels.

The prelate explained “Taxes must be utilized for the common good, ensuring essential services reach all Kenyans. This requires stringent anti-corruption measures to prevent the embezzlement of public funds, alongside deliberate, responsible strategies to manage and reduce the national debt.”

He emphasized that economic policies must prioritize equity, fairness and long-term sustainability, with the well-being of citizens at their centre.

Rising Violence and Violation of Rights

Archbishop Muhatia also raised concern over increasing incidences of violence and intimidation, including what it described as excessive use of force by security agencies and the shrinking of civic space.

“True peace cannot exist without justice. We are deeply concerned over increased violation of human rights, including excessive use of force by security agencies, arbitrary arrests, harassment of citizens, and the shrinking of civic and democratic space,” he noted.

Particularly troubling, the Archbishop said, were incidents where peaceful gatherings, including places of worship, were disrupted by violence: “Churches are sacred places and must always be respected. Lobbing tear gas canisters at worshippers inside the church is a gross violation of the constitutional right to worship provided under Article 32 of the Constitution of Kenya.”

He demanded investigations and prosecution of those involved in political thuggery, including sponsors.

“The use of force against unarmed citizens, including women, children, and the elderly, is unacceptable and we unequivocally condemn such heinous acts. Accountability must prevail, without fear or favour,” he admonished.

Youth Participation and Electoral Preparedness

Addressing Kenya’s youth, Archbishop Muhatia encouraged active civic engagement, describing young people as central to national renewal. He urged them to register as voters, engage in public discourse and offer themselves for leadership, noting that their energy and creativity are vital in confronting corruption, nepotism and political violence.

 “Kenya’s youth are not merely the leaders of tomorrow; they are citizens of today.”

He urged them to register as voters, engage in public discourse and offer themselves for leadership, noting that their energy and creativity are vital in confronting corruption, nepotism and political violence.

On electoral preparedness, the bishops called on Parliament to expedite necessary reforms and urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to begin comprehensive preparations.

 “Early, transparent and credible preparation is the bedrock of free, fair, and peaceful elections.”

The Archbishop called for immediate nationwide voter education and a sustained mass voter registration drive to ensure no eligible Kenyan is disenfranchised, especially the youth.