The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has urged the country’s leadership to heed the voices of the disgruntled youth, who have taken to the streets to express their frustrations through protests.
In a statement released on Tuesday, NCCK emphasized that Kenya is at a pivotal moment in reshaping its future. As expected of all citizens, the youth are contributing by demanding a shift from the status quo.
The leaders under the NCCK Central Region said the Bible in Proverbs 15: 22 points out that “plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisors they succeed”.
“The season of chest-thumping and bravado is over,” the clergy said.
Led by regional chairman Bishop Dr Timothy Gichere, the men of cloth said it’s unfortunate that Gen Z are in their second week of protests without tangible steps being made towards the comprehensive resolution of their concerns.
“They are making their contribution to the reshaping of the nation and should be listened to by all. On our part, we are engaging the leadership structures of the churches to integrate the youth in governance and decision-making structures and processes,” Bishop Gichere said.
The youth on Tuesday held their fifth mass protest to demand reforms including accountability of public funds, firing of corrupt public officials and compensation of protesters who have died during the demonstrations.
The NCCK leaders stated that the government should stop frustrating the constitutional rights of the demonstrators.
The clergymen said the role of the police during the protests should be to escort and provide security to the demonstrating Kenyans in different parts of the country.
“The use of excessive force 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.
The government has reported that at least 19 protesters have died since the demonstrations began on June 18. President William Ruto mentioned during a media roundtable at State House on Sunday that he was not aware of a higher casualty figure.
The clergy issued their statement at the conclusion of a two-day induction workshop for NCCK committee officials from Embu, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Nyeri, Nyandarua, and Laikipia counties.
They extended condolences to the families who have lost loved ones due to police actions in the past two weeks and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
“To further honour 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 leaders said.
