Civil society group warns of rising tension ahead of 2027 elections

Youths at Nyandiwa shopping centre during the Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay. [File, Standard] Kenya must act early to prevent tension from escalating into conflict ahead of the 2027 General Election, peace stakeholders have warned, and called for stronger grassroots peacebuilding and community-led interventions. Echo Network Africa Foundation (ENAF) President and CEO Jennifer Riria said peace actors, security agencies, government institutions and communities must identify and address emerging tensions before they escalate. Speaking during the International Day of Peace 2026 celebrations at Prestige Plaza in Nairobi, Dr Riria said local communities were critical in preventing conflict because they are often the first to detect signs of tension. "Peace is not something we inherit automatically. Every generation must choose it, protect it and invest in it," Riria said.