Kenya’s Catholic Bishops Warn of “intolerance, anarchy” as Youths Remain Hell-Bent on Anti-Government Protests

“We, therefore, request that you open up yourselves for inclusive conversations so that you are also enriched by perspectives that may not be obvious to you,” the Catholic Church leaders say, adding, “In doing this you become attentive to the laws of God and bear true respect for others.”

Youth-led protests in Kenya that started on June 18 were sparked by the controversial Finance Bill 2024, which President Ruto would later throw out.

Even after Ruto bowed to more pressure and dissolved his entire Cabinet on July 11, the Gen Z-led protests have continued under the hashtag “Ruto must go”.

On Tuesday, July 16, Gen Zs proceeded with their anti-government demonstrations across the country, calling for the end of corruption in Kenya and accountability from those in leadership.

The Tuesday protests were dubbed “Rage and Courage”, with hashtags such as #OccupyEverywhere; #RutoMustGod being circulated on social media platforms.

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In the July 15 KCCB statement in which the Kenyan Bishops also commended President William Samoei Ruto for giving in to some of the demands of Kenyan protesters, the Catholic Church leaders appealed to youngs to listen to the wisdom of their elders.

“We all have made mistakes; no one can claim to be faultless. Allow us also to correct you on some of the vulgar and improper slogans that have been used in these moments,” KCCB members say.

“We ask you to be cautious that you do not hurt others, which might turn against your great agenda for a better country,” the KCCB members say in their message to the young people, and add, “Be inclusive and supportive of constructive ideas and conversations.”

Meanwhile, the Bishops have condemned the rise in abductions in the country amid reported arbitrary detention of activists, medical officers, and social media influencers as protests rage on.

“Based on this lawlessness by law enforcers, the horrible and graphic images of abductions we have witnessed in the past three weeks are disheartening,” Kenya’s Catholic Bishops say, and call on those responsible for giving the “illegitimate” detention orders to take personal responsibility. 

“We are a country with laws that govern how law and order should be dispensed. This is illegal and criminal. It must stop,” they appeal.

The Catholic Church leaders have also condemned police brutality being meted against innocent picketers in Kenya, saying, “We regret that we lost young lives to police brutality… They were unarmed and they were protesting in daylight. We condemn the people behind the killing of the young people and ask the government to ensure the culprits are identified to face the full force of the law.”

In their seven-page statement, KCCB members have further called on President Ruto’s government to always seek to engage in “quiet reflection” before making any public statements and appearances.

They say that the head of state should not wait until Kenyans go on streets to protest against bad governance for him to act.

President Ruto, Catholic Bishops say, “should discern the choices he has to make and be guided by what is in the best interest of this great country, Kenya.”

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“There are many strategic actions the president can take as a response to the demands of Gen Z and Kenyans in general without having to wait for the proposed dialogue,” KCCB members say in their July 15 statement shared with ACI Africa.

Agnes Aineah is a Kenyan journalist with a background in digital and newspaper reporting. She holds a Master of Arts in Digital Journalism from the Aga Khan University, Graduate School of Media and Communications and a Bachelor's Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communications from Kenya's Moi University. Agnes currently serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.