EACC warns Kenyan religious leaders against accepting illicit election funds

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has issued a warning to religious leaders in Kenya to reject and avoid legitimizing illicit funds ahead of the 2027 General Election. Speaking at a National Stakeholders’ Convention in Nairobi, EACC Chairperson Dr. David Oginde cautioned that accepting money from questionable sources could normalize corruption and distort voter choices.

Oginde warned that politicians who finance their campaigns using proceeds from money laundering, corruption, or unexplained wealth may feel compelled to reward their financiers once in power. This could lead to the manipulation of procurement processes, inflated government tenders, and other corrupt deals.

The convention, held at Ufungamano House, included representatives from the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), and the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM). The EACC emphasized that election campaigns should focus on leadership qualities and principles rather than the financial strength of candidates.