A split has emerged among church leaders over who should take responsibility for rising cases of political violence and goonism, with one group defending Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja just days after another demanded his resignation.
The Federation of Evangelical and Indigenous Christian Churches of Kenya (FEICCK) has come to Kanja’s defence, arguing that the police should not carry the blame alone for violence and intimidation witnessed at political events.
Its position sharply contrasts with that of the Church and Clergy Association of Kenya (CCAK), which two days earlier called for Kanja to step down, accusing the police leadership of failing to contain goons disrupting political rallies and attacking leaders and members of the public.
FEICCK instead turned its attention to the Judiciary, describing it as “the weak link” in the fight against political violence, hate speech and incitement.
The church grouping argued that suspects arrested over political violence and inflammatory remarks often receive penalties that are too lenient to serve as an effective deterrent.
According to FEICCK, tougher consequences are needed if the country is to curb the growing use of violence and inflammatory language in political contests.
The federation also wants political leaders found engaging in hate speech to face consequences beyond the criminal justice system, including being barred from seeking elective office.
FEICCK said leaders who engage in hate speech “should be disqualified”, arguing that individuals seeking public office must be held to a higher standard of conduct.
The latest intervention exposes differing views within the church on how authorities should respond to political violence, which has become an increasingly contentious issue as political activity intensifies across the country.
On Thursday, August 20, 2026, The Church and Clergy Association of Kenya (CCAK) called for the immediate resignation of Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, accusing him of failing to contain rising cases of political violence and attacks linked to organised groups at political gatherings.
CCAK chairperson Bishop Hudson Ndeda said recent incidents in which politicians, journalists and members of the public have been attacked raise serious questions about the ability of the police leadership to maintain law and order.
“With the increasing cases of goons attacking Kenyans during political activities, we no longer have confidence that the current leadership of the police can effectively manage the situation,” Ndeda said.
The clergy association particularly condemned the recent attack on journalists in Homa Bay, claiming the incident took place in the presence of police officers.
“We are also asking the IEBC not to clear such leaders promoting violence tribalism and hate speech to vie for any elected position for such do not qualify according to chapter six of the constitution. The IPOA should also investigate on the police misusing their powers and bring them to book”, said CCAK Secretary General Jones Ochieng.
The claims come amid growing public concern over political intolerance and violence at rallies, with civil society groups, religious leaders and political actors increasingly demanding accountability from security agencies.
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