Religious Leaders Draw the Line on Political Donations Ahead of 2027 Polls
By Peace Muthoka
NAIROBI, September 2, 2026 — Religious leaders have vowed to push back against political money flowing into churches and mosques, warning that donations from politicians could compromise the independence of faith institutions as Kenya heads towards the 2027 General Election.
The position emerged from a National Stakeholders Convention held at Ufungamano House in Nairobi, bringing together representatives of six umbrella religious institutions, seven constitutional agencies, five professional bodies and 21 civil society organisations.
The two-day meeting focused on the risks facing the 2027 electoral cycle, with delegates placing the growing influence of money in politics high on the list.
The stakeholders said political actors were increasingly using donations to religious institutions to win favour, influence public opinion and gain access to religious leaders and their congregations.
They warned that such relationships could weaken the ability of religious institutions to speak independently on matters affecting the country.
The delegates described the practice as particularly worrying at a time when many Kenyans already feel that key public institutions have been compromised by political interests.
In response, umbrella religious organisations said they would mobilise their members to restrict political access to religious platforms.
They also announced plans to promote anonymous giving in churches and mosques, in an effort to prevent political donations from becoming a means of gaining influence.
The religious leaders further said they would not allow their institutions to be used to legitimise political actors.
But their concerns extend beyond donations to the wider role of money in Kenyan politics.
The convention described political financing as being at a crisis point, arguing that money increasingly determines who gets political opportunities, how campaigns are conducted and, ultimately, how government decisions are made.
The delegates warned that the country was gradually moving towards what they termed a “plutocracy
