Gov't writes letter to Pope protesting Archbishop's remarks on Gen Z protests

The Apostolic Nunciature, also known as the Embassy of the Holy See is the diplomatic representative of the Roman Catholic Church and the Pope with its headquarters in Vatican City.

In the letter, the Ministry quoted the Archbishop's remarks, claiming that they were one-sided and were made at a time when the country was experiencing a national crisis. 

"Youths in the streets turned tables, turning tables in Parliament, turning tables of the money changers, wanting to cleanse the temple of democracy," the Archbishop was quoted saying on June 29, 2024.

"Youths on the streets wanted to get Zacchaeus out of the tree, wanted to get Peter to admit to his betrayal, these days we have witnessed a revolution in Nairobi. After this, politics in this country will have to change."

In the speech, the Archbishop also addressed police brutality during the protests; saying "oppressors against the oppressed, heavily armed security forces against poorly protected protestors, water canons, teargas, live bullets against sticks and stones, explosions against shouting and feelings of protestors, the state machinery shooting freely at will. 

In response to the remarks, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs termed the statements as undiplomatic and inflammatory. 

"Without pointing out the broader context of the government's action as a responsible diplomat, the Nuncio chose to use his exalted position to berate the government of Kenya and its institutions. We find this conduct to be reprehensible and unbecoming of a distinguished member of the diplomatic corps," the Ministry said in the letter. 

In the past two months, the protests gained international attention with foreign countries advocating for the government to protect the rights of people who were engaging in peaceful demonstrations. 

"The Embassy urges police to exercise restraint and protect the rights of people to demonstrate peacefully. We call on provocateurs and opportunists to avoid blocking roads and looting businesses. All actors – police and protesters alike – should repudiate violence and be held accountable for wrongdoing," the US embassy said in a statement on July 18, 2024.