The Catholic Church has warned the government against countering dissent through intimidation and instead called on the state to offer protection to those exercising their civic rights, including through peaceful demonstrations. 

Addressing the press on Tuesday, at Waumini House, Nairobi, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) expressed concerns over what they termed as increasing devaluation of human life and dignity in the country, owing to the growing cases of killings or maiming of innocent protestors by police during demos.  

KCCB Vice Chairperson Archbishop Anthony Muheria said “speaking truth to power is a service to the nation, not an act of rebellion” calling on government officials to practice responsible leadership.  

He said all Kenyans, including journalists, clergy, civil society actors, and especially young people must be allowed to express themselves without intimidation. 

“We must not threaten dissenters with death,” he said, calling for “decency and respect back to the social expression of dissent.” 

This comes in the wake of increased police brutality meted on peaceful protestors witnessed during last week’s demos in Nairobi even as the country prepares to mark the first anniversary since the Gen Z-led protests on June 25, 2024, that claimed the lives of more than 60 Kenyans. 

The new wave of protests have been against police brutality following the death of teacher and influencer Albert Ojwang who died in police custody early this month, sparking public outrage. 

Yesterday, Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) disclosed that more than 20 deaths in police custody have been reported since Ojwang’s death, painting a grim picture of the handling of people who are in legal custody. 

On Tuesday, the clergy said the increased cases of mysterious disappearances, extra-judicial killings, and violent intimidation have become common, and that they signal a “moral crisis in the state.” 

“They follow a disturbing pattern that threatens our national commitment to the Constitution and human rights. The life of every Kenyan matters. Kenya must stop at a loss of life and not “just move on.” said KCCB chairman Maurice Muhatia,  ..nor death is more painful than the other.  

“When a poor village boy violently loses his life it is just as tragic as when an important politician loses theirs. Kenyans must mourn both equally!” he added, insisting that the country’s leadership must find a solution to the challenges. “We can’t just move on. Kenya deserves better.”

However, the religious leaders are concerned over the increasingly violent protests including on Tuesday, June 17, when hired goons infiltrated the protest in Nairobi.

“Our young people are not enemies of the state. They are citizens with valid concerns who should be supported in building a better future for all. Many Kenyan citizens are voicing these same concerns,” the Bishops said.

“Young people, we appeal to you to avoid any violent encounters during your protests and instead demonstrate your maturity. We call on the security agents to ensure we don’t have a repeat of the protected goons, who brought violence in the recent protests,” they added, insisting that perpetrators should be convicted.

To reset the relationship between the current regime and the disgruntled citizens, the church leaders have proposed an open dialogue, respect for the rule of law, and independent and transparent investigations into abductions, enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.

Further, they have urged an empathetic and servant leadership that protects the civil society and human rights defenders.

Additional reporting by Denis Omondi.