Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) have condemned recent incidents of police brutality and extra-judicial killings targeting young people.
Speaking during a press briefing on Tuesday morning, the bishops described the fatal shooting of a hawker, Boniface Kariuki Mwangi, 22 by police officer at point-blank range as “shocking,” but emphasizing that security officers are meant to protect, not harm.
They warned that a disturbing pattern of state violence and selective justice is undermining the country’s constitutional values and threatening the sanctity of life citing and the unresolved deaths of clergy and youth activists including Father John Mina, Father Alois, and Albert Ojwang.
“When those charged with upholding law and order become the source of fear and injustice, it undermines public trust and the rule of law.” The bishops stated. “These are not just names they are our brothers, sisters, priests, sons, daughters, and friends. They deserved protection, not persecution.”
Quoting the prophet Micah “What does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God” the bishops framed their statement as a call to conscience directed at both the state and the citizenry.
The bishops spoke with particular concern about the young people, many of whom were involved in the 2024 protests against new tax laws saying the country is marking one year since the Gen Z-led anti-tax protests began, who they say had raised legitimate concerns about rising costs, unemployment, and lack of government accountability.
While commending their courage and civic consciousness, the bishops condemned the violent state response that followed, which led to the deaths of many young people.“Our young people are not enemies of the state. They are citizens with valid concerns and hopes for a better future,” they said, calling for peaceful protests, honest dialogue, and justice for those killed or abducted.
The bishops called on the youth to remain peaceful and vigilant appealing to them to avoid any violent encounters during the protests and instead demonstrate maturity.
“As we remember those who died in the protests of 2024, we pray for those young souls. They should not have lost their lives. Yet, we cannot bring them back. It is fair to give them a fitting memorial. Young people, we appeal to you to avoid any violent encounters during your protests and instead demonstrate your maturity.”
Similarly, the clergy demanded justice for all those murdered and those shot, and conviction of all the perpetrators.
Additionally the bishops asked the leadership for a return to integrity, empathy, and truth in governance. “To the leaders, we appeal to your conscience. You are called not only to govern, but also to heal, to unite, and to lead with integrity. True leadership listens, corrects, and restores.”
The clergy called for independent investigations and transparent accountability, respect for the rule of law and protection of civic voices and human rights defenders.
They also made an appeal to the leadership that governance by fear, threat, or intimidation must give way to empathetic, consultative and service-driven leadership as well as open channels of meaningful dialogue.
They asked all Catholic churches to dedicate this coming Sunday to prayer for victims of extrajudicial killings and those who died during the 2024 protests. “Let us join hands to build a Kenya where every citizen is valued, every voice respected, and every life protected,” they concluded.
