KCCB Bishops warns of state-backed ‘goonism’, demand action
The bishops questioned whether there was sufficient political will to tackle the menace, amid public concerns that criminal gangs are being used to intimidate citizens participating in lawful activities.
The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has sounded the alarm over what it describes as a resurgence of “goonism” in the country, warning that the increasing use of violence to disrupt public gatherings threatens the rule of law, democratic freedoms and the sanctity of places of worship.
In a statement issued today, Tuesday, June 23, 2026 following a meeting at Donum Dei, Roussel House in Karen, the bishops expressed concern over a growing culture of impunity, citing the recent disruption of a post-budget review meeting at All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi and similar incidents in churches as evidence of an emerging trend.
The bishops questioned whether there was sufficient political will to tackle the menace, amid public concerns that criminal gangs are being used to intimidate citizens participating in lawful activities.
“We are afraid there is a growing concern that ‘goonism’ is receiving official support. Can Government dispel this suspicion from the minds of citizens? Is there political will to deal with the menace of ‘goonism’ or is it in the interest of the political elite?” the bishops posed.
The clergy urged politicians and their supporters to respect places of worship, stressing that churches are protected sanctuaries that should never be turned into arenas for confrontation.
Their remarks come as police continue investigating an incident in which suspected goons disrupted a meeting at All Saints Cathedral. Three suspects have since been arrested and remain in police custody as investigations continue.
In the statement signed by KCCB Chairman Most Rev Maurice Muhatia, the bishops also decried what they termed a growing disregard for human dignity and the sanctity of life, pointing to demonstrations, abductions, traffic accidents, school unrest and political violence as some of the leading causes of needless deaths in the country.
“Our Lord Jesus Christ came so that ‘they may have life, and have it abundantly’ (John 10:10). This promise of abundant life is at the heart of the Gospel and the foundation of our concern for the people of Kenya,” the bishops said.
“We continue to feel the anguish of grieving families and the increasing frustration of those who feel that their legitimate grievances are too often met with indifference rather than sincere dialogue,” they added.
The bishops also mourned students who died in the recent dormitory fire at Utumishi Academy, describing the tragedy as symptomatic of deeper challenges facing the country’s education system.
“Education is not only about academic achievement but also about the formation of conscience, character, responsibility, and respect for the dignity of others,” they said, calling for greater parental involvement, strengthened counselling services and mentorship programmes in schools.
On governance and security, the bishops demanded swift action against individuals behind politically motivated attacks, urging the National Police Service to bring both perpetrators and sponsors to justice.
“We demand that the Inspector General of Police conduct a swift, transparent investigation to unmask, arrest, and prosecute the individuals who execute these attacks and their sponsors,” the statement said.
The Church also raised concerns over plans to establish an Ebola quarantine and treatment facility at Laikipia Air Base, arguing that the public had not been adequately consulted.
“We demand transparency in government deals that affect our country,” the bishops said, urging authorities to engage citizens, religious leaders, healthcare workers and civil society organisations in meaningful consultations before implementing such projects.
Despite the concerns raised, the bishops expressed optimism about Kenya’s future, calling on leaders and citizens alike to embrace justice, accountability, dialogue and respect for life.
“Kenya possesses the spiritual resources, the moral wisdom, and the collective will to build a nation where every person is valued, where grievances are addressed with respect, and where economic systems serve the common good,” the statement added.
