The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) in the Central Region has declared seven days of mourning for victims of the recent anti-government protests and will hold memorial services on Sunday, coinciding with the Saba Saba commemorations.
Bishop Dr. Timothy Gichere, NCCK Central Region Chairman, announced on Tuesday that in addition to the traditional July 7 commemoration service honoring fallen heroes and freedom fighters from pre-colonial history, this year’s Saba Saba celebrations will also pay tribute to those who have lost their lives in the current protests.
Bishop Gichere extended an invitation to the public to attend the services taking place in churches across the Central region, while also offering condolences to the families affected by the ongoing demonstrations.
“It is with deep sadness that we send condolences to all those who have lost their loved ones due to police brutality in the last two weeks. We are also praying for a quick recovery for all those injured,” he said.
“To further honor their sacrifice, we are continuing with marking 7 days of mourning that will culminate in memorial services in all our churches on Sunday July 7, 2024. We welcome all Kenyans to join us as we mark Saba Saba in the churches honouring all heroes and freedom fighters.”
The statement followed a two-day NCCK induction workshop held at Bethany House, Sagana, for officials elected to the council’s committees in Embu, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Nyeri, Nyandarua, and Laikipia counties.
Bishop Dr. Timothy Gichere appealed to the administration led by President William Ruto to heed the cries and pleas of Kenyans, emphasizing that the time for boasting and bravado is past. He expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s persistent reluctance to address the protests, remarking that solutions should have already been devised to address the issues raised by demonstrators.
“The Bible in Proverbs 15: 22 points out that ‘plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisors they succeed.’ It is of absolute importance that in reshaping our nation, we listen to each other,” said the NCCK Central Chair.
“In this regard, we call upon all leaders, especially political, religious and social, to keenly listen to the people so as to discern and honour their will. The season of chest-thumping and bravado is over. We find it quite unfortunate that the young people of Kenya are getting into a second week of demonstrations without their issues being heard or addressed comprehensively.”
The Bishop reiterated NCCK’s support for the demonstrations, emphasizing that the youth, constituting more than 70 percent of Kenya’s population, are exercising their democratic rights. He strongly condemned the recent killings and violence inflicted on protesters by the police, suggesting that law enforcement should instead ensure the security of demonstrators as mandated by the law.
“Over the last two weeks, the youth of Kenya have come out to exercise their right to peaceful picketing as they contribute to the reshaping of our nation. We demand that the government stops curtailing this right by using the police to violently break up peaceful demonstrations,” stated Bishop Gichere.
“We reiterate that the role of the police this week is to escort and provide security to the Kenyans who have given notice of picketing in different parts of the country.”
At the same time, he urged the National Police Service to cease from imposing fear to demonstrators through unlawful arrests and abductions reported in the past weeks.
He tasked Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome to publicly account for all the people arrested during the protests and those in detention.
“The use of excessive force that includes shooting demonstrators must be stopped. Further, all the demonstrators who were arrested last week should be unconditionally released since they were exercising their constitutional rights,” Bishop Gichere said.
“We in addition call upon the Inspector General to publicly account for all individuals who have been abducted or clandestinely arrested by the security agents. This trend of imposing fear on the people must be ended.”
