The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has urged Kenyan youth to uphold peace while exercising their constitutional right to protest, even as they sharply rebuked state agencies for violent crackdowns on demonstrators during last year’s protests.
In a strongly worded joint statement issued Tuesday, the bishops denounced the excessive use of force by police and raised concerns over alleged collusion between law enforcement and criminal elements during the June 25, 2024 protests.
“As bishops, we appeal to the youth to exercise their rights peacefully and within the law,” said KCCB Chairman Rev. Maurice Muhatia. “Since then, the Church and other civic actors have sought to engage them meaningfully, offering platforms for dialogue and participation.”
The clerics expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of young protestors, stressing that such losses not only devastated families but also undermined public confidence in the country’s justice system.
“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,” added Muhatia.
Nyeri Archbishop Anthony Muheria condemned the “selective application of the law” and criticized actions that he said breed fear and resentment among the youth.
“The law must protect all and issue justice to everyone. A society that instils fear in its youth for simply speaking out is a society walking away from justice,” Muheria declared.
While calling for restraint from protestors, the bishops emphasized that the greater burden of responsibility lies with the state to guarantee the safety and rights of all citizens.
“The government’s primary responsibility is to protect its citizens, not to threaten, silence, or punish them,” Muheria stated, demanding accountability from both state officers and their alleged civilian collaborators.
“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.”
The KCCB also called for the establishment of a national memorial to honour young lives lost during the 2024 protests.
“As we remember those who died in the protests of 2024, we pray for those young souls. They should not have lost their lives, yet we cannot bring them back. It is fair to give them a fitting memorial,” Muheria said.
