Clergy condemn police brutality, urge gov't to address Gen Z grievances

They’ve rejected Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen’s shoot-on-sight directive, terming it illegal and against both the law and scripture.

The clergy are now asking President William Ruto to urgently address demands by the youth, improve the ailing economy, and create job opportunities — warning that unless this is done, protests will persist and the nation’s stability will remain at risk.

From Nyandarua to Kajiado and Kericho, religious leaders are raising their voices against the bloodshed witnessed during Wednesday’s Gen Z protests.

In Nyandarua, bishops and clerics visited areas ravaged by looting and arson, condemning the violence even as they upheld the right to protest.

“Though there’s a right to protest, it’s not fair to destroy property. It worsens the very problems we’re fighting against,” said Archbishop Josam Kariuki of the Nyandarua Interfaith Council.

“As religious leaders, we condemn the act and call on investigative officers to arrest goons who infiltrated the protests,” added Bishop Samson Gachathi of Nyandarua.

The leaders say the demonstrations reflect frustrations among jobless, hopeless youth, abandoned by their leadership and crushed by a battered economy.

“Young people have lost hope in the government. That’s why they’re angry, and it’s leading to chaos,” Archbishop Kariuki stated.

And with one voice, they rejected CS Kipchumba Murkomen’s order authorizing police to shoot protesters approaching police stations.

“The Sixth Commandment says, ‘Thou shall not kill.’ No human has the right to take another’s life,” noted preacher Elijah Soi from Kericho.

“We oppose that reckless directive. No one has power to kill anyone — whether by law, politics or force,” added Archbishop Kariuki.

They’re appealing to Gen Z to tone down violent protests, warning that the country’s image, economy and livelihoods are deteriorating as traders lose millions.

The clergy also pressed the government to urgently address youth demands to avert recurring demonstrations and deeper national instability.

“The president should urgently create industries and jobs everywhere. It’s the only way to calm this nation,” stated Bishop Peter Ototo of Kajiado.

The clerics warned that unless leaders act decisively, Kenya risks a turbulent road to the 2027 presidential election.