The Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK), Rev. Jackson Ole Sapit, has urged Kenyans to embrace peace and reject divisive politics as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during celebrations to mark the centenary of St. Luke’s Cathedral in Kitale, Ole Sapit said Trans Nzoia’s diverse communities had demonstrated that Kenyans from different ethnic backgrounds could live and prosper together in harmony.
He urged citizens to resist attempts by politicians to divide them along tribal and regional lines, saying leaders should instead be judged by their vision, policies and commitment to the common good.
“Let us look at Kenya as one. We have shared the dreams of good healthcare. We have shared dreams of good schools for our children. We have shared the dreams of a peaceful Kenya and a greener Kenya,” he said.
Ole Sapit described Trans Nzoia, which is home to people from different parts of the country, as an example of peaceful coexistence that could be replicated across Kenya.
“This is a demonstration that people can live together in harmony and in peace. We want to congratulate the people of Trans Nzoia for always demonstrating that families and communities from different regions of Kenya can thrive together and live as one,” he said.
The archbishop warned that elections had previously created divisions among Kenyans, urging citizens not to allow political rhetoric to fuel hatred and conflict.
“Let us turn to each other and love one another, turn to the face of every other Kenyan and embrace them as brothers and sisters,” he said.
He challenged politicians to tone down their rhetoric and abandon the use of goons and violence to advance their political interests, saying leaders should instead persuade voters through their policies and development agendas.
Ole Sapit also condemned cases of abductions, saying they violated constitutional freedoms and had no place in Kenya.
“We condemn any form of abduction. That is immoral, unethical and unconstitutional,” he said.
He urged Kenyans to protect one another and maintain peaceful coexistence before, during and after the 2027 General Election.
“Our prayer is that before, during and after the election, God will give us his peace and peace will reign in our nation,” he said.
Ole Sapit also highlighted the importance of investing in children and young people, saying this demonstrated the church’s commitment to preparing future generations.
He noted that the diocese had dedicated the Chapel of Victory and a Children Centre of Excellence as part of its efforts to support and nurture young people.
Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), Ambassador Susan Nakhumicha, who attended the celebrations, echoed the archbishop’s call for unity and peaceful coexistence among communities in Trans Nzoia.
Nakhumicha described Trans Nzoia as a “small Kenya” because of its diverse population and condemned the use of political goons.
She urged political leaders to sell their development agendas to voters instead of resorting to intimidation, threats or violence.
The speakers called on Kenyans to look beyond ethnic and political differences and work together to build a peaceful, united and prosperous country ahead of the 2027 General Election.
By Isaiah Nayika and Sandra Omondi
