Catholic bishops back youth’s right to hold peaceful protests, warn police against excesses
In a statement, they, however, appealed to the youth to exercise their rights peacefully and within the law
The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) have urged youths to continue expressing their grievances and hold peaceful protests over killings, enforced disappearances and brutality experienced last year during the anti-Finance Bill protests.
At the same time, the bishops warned against police excesses and repression of dissent views.
In a joint statement by bishops from over 30 dioceses, the clergy criticised government agencies for what they termed as shrinking civic space, selective justice, and violent suppression of dissent.
According to the bishops, the government’s response to issues raised by Gen Zs is a signal of a moral crisis in the country.
“As bishops, we appeal to the youth to exercise their rights peacefully and within the law. We have witnessed the harassment, abduction, and in some cases, killing of young people whose only offence was raising their voice for accountability and justice. When those charged with upholding law and order become the source of fear and injustice, it signals a moral crisis in the State,” KCCB chairperson Maurice Muhatia stated.
They have recalled the deaths of several young Kenyans during the protests against the Finance Bill 2024 as well as recent ones such as that of blogger Albert Ojwang and Catholic clerics, Father John Maina and Father Allois Bett.
The bishops also highlighted the case of face mask hawker Boniface Kariuki, who was shot at close range by a police officer during last Tuesday’s protests over Ojwang’s death in police custody, calling it a shocking incident that reflects a deeper problem in the country.
“The cold-blooded shooting of Boniface Kariuki by a police officer at point-blank range is most shocking. Security officers are sworn to protect, not to harm,” Makumba noted.
He warned that continued failure to prosecute those behind these killings weakens the country’s justice system and fosters impunity.
On his part, KCCB vice-chairman and Nyeri Archbishop Anthony Muheria said the police and State officials must be held accountable for working alongside criminal elements during the chaos.
“How can goons work together with the police? We demand justice for all those murdered and those shot, and the conviction of all the perpetrators,” he stated.
The bishops reminded the government that it has a duty to protect its people and should not be the cause of their suffering.
“The government’s primary responsibility is to protect its citizens, not to threaten, silence, or punish them,” Muheria said.
The clergy has also condemned the “selective application of the law” calling it a dangerous trend that risks further alienating already frustrated youth.
“A society that instils fear in its youth for simply speaking out is a society walking away from justice,” Muheria added.
The bishops called for a permanent memorial to honour the young Kenyans who died during last year’s protests.
