The Evangelical Alliance of Kenya (EAK) – Migori County Chapter has raised alarm over the escalating cases of political intolerance and violence being witnessed across Migori County, following last week’s dramatic confrontations between Governor Ochillo Ayacko and his political nemesis and Suna West legislator Peter Masara.
Background: A County on Edge
Migori County has in recent days experienced heightened political tension after public altercations and disruptions linked to rival camps allied to Governor Ayacko and Suna West MP Masara.
The standoff, which played out during public gatherings and funerals in Suna West and neighbouring areas, saw supporters from both sides engage in confrontations that disrupted events and created panic among mourners and residents. In some instances, leaders were heckled, rival chants broke out, and security officers were forced to intervene.
The political rivalry between the county chief and the outspoken legislator has been simmering for months, with sharp exchanges over development priorities, governance style, and political control in Suna West constituency. However, last week’s incidents marked a worrying escalation, with accusations and counter-accusations flying from both camps.
Observers note that funerals — traditionally sacred communal spaces for mourning and unity in Luo culture — have increasingly turned into political battlegrounds, reflecting a broader pattern of intolerance as the 2027 political season gradually approaches.
It is against this backdrop that the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya has now spoken out.
Training Marketplace Leaders for Ethical Governance
Even as it addressed the unfolding crisis, the Migori Chapter revealed that it recently convened a significant training forum focused on discipling marketplace leaders.
As a movement committed to biblical transformation, EAK emphasized that leadership extends beyond the pulpit to include professionals, entrepreneurs, public servants, and business leaders.
The training sought to equip leaders to live out their faith with integrity, accountability, and excellence within their spheres of influence. According to the alliance, strengthening value-based leadership in the marketplace has a direct impact on families, institutions, and society at large.
EAK noted that when Christ-centered values shape leadership and public engagement, communities flourish and the nation is strengthened.
Invitation to Clergy to Unite
The alliance used the opportunity to warmly invite clergy across Migori County and beyond to join EAK, stating that the organization provides a platform for unity, fellowship, advocacy, and a collective voice on matters affecting the Church and the nation.
The chapter stressed that evangelical unity is essential in addressing moral, social, and governance issues affecting local communities.
“We can only be stronger together,” the statement emphasized.
Deep Concern Over Political Intolerance in Migori
However, the strongest message from the statement focused on what the alliance described as a worrying spate of political intolerance and violence currently being witnessed, particularly in Migori County.
EAK expressed deep concern over rising incidents of hostility during funerals, public gatherings, and political rallies — spaces that traditionally serve as community forums for mourning, dialogue, and engagement.
The alliance condemned acts of violence, disruption of events, inciteful remarks, and hostile rhetoric that have increasingly characterized political interactions.
“These actions are unacceptable,” the alliance stated, warning that intolerance undermines the democratic space, erodes public trust, and threatens peace and social cohesion.
The chapter cautioned that continued confrontations between rival political factions risk polarizing communities and drawing innocent residents into unnecessary conflict.
Concern Over Excessive Use of Force
The alliance also raised concerns regarding reports of excessive use of force by some police officers while responding to political gatherings and public events during last week’s confrontations.
While acknowledging and respecting the constitutional mandate of security agencies to maintain law and order, EAK emphasized that such authority must be exercised lawfully, proportionately, and with full respect for human rights.
“The protection of life and property must never result in unnecessary harm or intimidation of citizens,” the statement read.
Call for Restraint and Responsible Leadership
The Migori Chapter called upon political leaders — including Governor Ayacko and MP Masara — their supporters, security agencies, and citizens to exercise restraint and uphold democratic principles.
It urged leaders to model civility and responsible rhetoric, especially as the county inches closer to heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The alliance further appealed to residents of Migori County to reject violence and protect the county’s long-standing reputation for resilience, coexistence, and communal harmony.
As tensions continue to simmer, the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya – Migori Chapter reaffirmed its commitment to promoting unity, ethical leadership, and peaceful coexistence.
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