Elections, Religion and the Transformation of Violence in Africa: AIU to Host the 2026 ISAR Amani Symposium

As Kenya prepares for the 2027 General Elections, Africa International University’s Institute for the Study of African Realities (ISAR) will bring together leading voices in academia, religious leadership, governance and peacebuilding to examine one of Africa’s most pressing challenges: the intersection of elections, religion and violence.

Africa International University (AIU) will host the 2026 ISAR Amani Symposium on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, at 1:30 PM at its Chapel. Held under the theme “Elections, Religion and Transformation of Violence in Africa,” the symposium will provide an important platform for critical dialogue, interdisciplinary engagement and practical reflection on the role of religious institutions in shaping electoral processes, democratic governance and sustainable peace.

With Kenya’s 2027 General Elections approaching, questions surrounding electoral accountability, political polarization, misinformation, religious influence and the prevention of election-related violence are increasingly important. The symposium seeks to move beyond conventional assumptions and explore the complex political, social and religious dynamics that shape electoral experiences across Africa.

The symposium will feature distinguished leaders and experts drawn from religious institutions, academia, governance and conflict resolution, bringing diverse perspectives and professional experience to the discussions.

The symposium will be graced by:

Chief Guest: Bishop Kepha Omae
Chairperson, National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC).

Keynote Speaker: Jackline Makena Mutuma
Vice-Moderator, Faith and Order Commission, World Council of Churches (WCC), and Lecturer at St. Paul’s University.

First Respondent: Dr. Oliver Kisaka
Director, CORAT Africa.

Second Respondent: Sheikh Ibrahim Lethome
Secretary General, Centre for Sustainable Conflict Resolution (CSCR).

Their contributions will enrich conversations on the responsibilities of religious institutions, the dynamics of electoral competition, conflict prevention and the collective pursuit of peaceful democratic processes.

Exploring the Critical Intersections of Elections, Religion and Violence

The 2026 ISAR Amani Symposium will critically examine the circumstances under which religious institutions can contribute to electoral violence, become implicated in political polarization, or serve as influential actors in peacebuilding and democratic transformation.

Rather than treating religion as inherently peaceful or conflict-producing, the symposium will interrogate the institutional capacities, accountability mechanisms and safeguards necessary to strengthen the contribution of faith communities to democratic governance.

Discussions will be anchored around five key sub-themes:

1. Social Media, Artificial Intelligence and Violence: Examining how digital platforms, emerging technologies, misinformation and AI-generated content can influence electoral narratives and fuel or mitigate violence.
2. Religion as a Double-Edged Sword for Peace and Violence: Exploring how religious beliefs, institutions and leadership can either reinforce political divisions or foster reconciliation, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
3. Voting, Digitization and Rigging: Examining the implications of electoral technology, digital voting systems, transparency and public confidence in electoral processes.
4. Goonism, Propaganda and Religion: Investigating the intersection of political mobilization, organized violence, propaganda and religious influence in electoral environments.
5. Elections, Incumbency and Violence: Exploring how the pursuit and retention of political power, incumbency and electoral competition can contribute to violence and undermine democratic processes.

From Dialogue to Action: What the Symposium Seeks to Achieve

Beyond academic discourse, the symposium aims to generate practical, evidence-informed recommendations and an interdisciplinary, Africa-centred research agenda to strengthen democratic governance, promote electoral accountability and mobilize religious institutions and communities in preventing and mitigating electoral violence.

The anticipated outcomes include:

• A robust research agenda: Advancing empirically grounded and interdisciplinary research on the intersections of elections, religion and violence in Africa, with opportunities for peer-reviewed publications and policy briefs.
• Enhanced understanding: Deepening knowledge of the political, social and religious dynamics influencing electoral violence.
• Practical recommendations: Identifying actionable approaches for electoral violence prevention, conflict transformation and peacebuilding.
• Stronger religious engagement: Clarifying the role, responsibilities and institutional safeguards required to enable religious institutions to contribute positively to democratic governance.
• Strategic partnerships: Strengthening collaboration among academia, religious organizations, policymakers, civil society and peacebuilding practitioners.
• Knowledge dissemination: Producing a symposium report and policy brief to inform research, institutional practice and public policy.

Who Should Attend?

The symposium welcomes participants from diverse professional, academic and community backgrounds who are committed to strengthening democratic governance and promoting peaceful electoral processes.

These include academics and researchers, religious leaders and faith-based organizations, policymakers and government agencies, peacebuilding and conflict resolution practitioners, women’s organizations and gender advocates, youth organizations, media practitioners, digital communication experts, community representatives, students and emerging scholars.

Whether you are a researcher examining electoral dynamics, a religious leader concerned about the role of faith in public life, a policymaker shaping governance frameworks, or a young person interested in the future of democracy in Africa, this symposium offers an opportunity to engage, contribute and be part of meaningful conversations.

Be Part of the Conversation

As Africa continues to navigate complex democratic transitions, the responsibility to prevent electoral violence and strengthen peaceful coexistence requires collective reflection, informed dialogue and collaborative action.

The 2026 ISAR Amani Symposium provides an opportunity to interrogate difficult questions, challenge prevailing assumptions and identify practical pathways through which religious institutions, political actors, academia and communities can contribute to peaceful and credible electoral processes.

Join us at Africa International University as we bring together diverse voices and expertise to explore how elections and religion can become catalysts for peace, democratic accountability and transformation across Africa.

EVENT DETAILS

• Event: 2026 ISAR Amani Symposium
• Theme: Elections, Religion and Transformation of Violence in Africa
• Date: Wednesday, 11 November 2026
• Time: 1:30 PM
• Venue: Africa International University (AIU), Nairobi.

Your voice matters. Be part of the conversation shaping Africa’s democratic future.