The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has issued a clarion call to the President Ruto led government to refrain from interfering with peaceful protests often conducted by the youthful generation in Kenya.
In a joint statement issued on Tuesday afternoon as Kenyans also prepare to hit the streets, for the one-year anniversary in commemoration of the Gen Z revolution, which was marked by ant-finance bill protests in June and July of 2024, the Catholic bishops urged the government to offer a listening ear to the voices and cries of the youth.
Archbishop Maurice Muhatia, the chairperson of KCCB, stated that memorial masses will be offered for those who lost their lives during the June25, 2024 protests.
KCCB however condemned police brutality and atrocities meted on peaceful protesters, which escalated to unfortunate deaths.
“The young people deserve listening and support, not suppression. Those who lost their lives on June 25, 2024, deserve a befitting memorial. Masses to be offered in their honor on June 29, 2025 in all Catholic Churches in Kenya,” Rev. Maurice Muhatia said.
“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,” Muhatia added.
The bishops however appealed to the youth to exercise their right peacefully and within the law. They also condemned biased administration of the law, stating that such actions weaken the public’s trust.
“The law must protect all and issue justice to everyone,” they said through Nyeri Archbishop Anthony Muheria.
“A society that instils fear in its youth for simply speaking out is a society walking away from justice.”
Muheria also denounced the alleged collaboration between law enforcers and goons, stating that those responsible should be held accountable.
“The government’s primary responsibility is to protect its citizens, not to threaten, silence, or punish them,” Muheria stated.
“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.”
