NCCK Warns of ‘Goon Economy,’ Governance Failures as Church Leaders Call for Urgent Reforms

By Wilson Amondo

The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has raised alarm over what it describes as deepening governance failures, a rise in politically sponsored violence, and worsening socio-economic conditions, following a two-day regional meeting in Nairobi.

Delegates drawn from NCCK member churches in Nairobi, Kiambu, Garissa, Wajir and Mandera convened at the YMCA Central Conference Hall under the theme “Strengthening Governance, Accountability, and Trust for credible elections,” where they expressed concern that Kenya’s democratic ideals are being undermined by what they termed a transactional political culture.

In a strongly worded statement, the church leaders condemned the normalization of “goonism” in politics, warning that unemployed youth are increasingly being exploited by political actors. 

“Paying a young Kenyan as little as 200 to 500 shillings to disrupt a meeting or intimidate a fellow citizen is not just a security issue; it is a grave violation of human dignity,” the statement read.

The NCCK called on the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties to deregister any political outfits linked to organized violence, and urged the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to pursue politicians accused of financing such activities.

The council also took aim at rising cases of hate speech and incitement, challenging institutions including the National Cohesion and Integration Commission and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to take decisive action. “If you are too intimidated to do your work, then it is high time you resign,” the statement said.

On the ongoing flooding crisis in Nairobi, the NCCK blamed systemic urban planning failures, noting that at least 66 people have died since March due to drowning and electrocution. The council criticized what it described as “paper-based infrastructure,” where drainage systems exist in plans but not in reality, and called for a comprehensive overhaul of the city’s drainage network.

The church leaders further raised concerns over challenges in the rollout of the Social Health Authority (SHA), citing alleged financial leakages and weak oversight. 

Referring to audit findings, NCCK claimed that billions of shillings have been lost to fraudulent claims, while public hospitals remain under-resourced. The council linked the crisis to persistent maternal deaths, estimating that up to 6,000 women die annually from preventable complications.

The statement also highlighted the rising cost of living, with NCCK warning that inflation—particularly in food and fuel—has pushed millions into hardship. The council said over 30 percent of Kenyans survive on less than KSh 1,300 per month, describing the situation as a “moral indictment” on the nation.

It called on the government to review taxes on petroleum products, curb wasteful spending, and invest in agricultural subsidies to lower food prices, while also demanding transparency in debt management.

Turning to electoral matters, the NCCK urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to rebuild public trust ahead of the 2027 General Election. The council demanded the reversal of involuntary voter transfers and accountability over alleged breaches in the biometric voter database.

The church leaders also criticized early political campaigns, questioning the IEBC’s ability to enforce electoral laws if such activities continue unchecked.

On its part, the NCCK pledged to safeguard the integrity of the pulpit by enforcing strict guidelines on political engagement in churches, including barring politicians from addressing congregants during services and treating all donations as ordinary offerings without public recognition.

Reaffirming its role as a moral voice in society, the NCCK said it would continue to advocate for justice, accountability, and the protection of human dignity, warning that it will “hold the prophetic mirror to leaders” until meaningful change is achieved.