- NCCK said Kenya is at a critical moment of reshaping her future and as is expected of all Kenyans, the youth are making their contribution.
- 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”.
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The National Council of Churches of Kenya has implored the country’s leadership to listen to the voice of disgruntled youth who have resorted to expressing their frustrations through street protests.
In a statement on Tuesday, NCCK said Kenya is at a critical moment of reshaping her future and as is expected of all Kenyans, the youth are making their contribution 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 said at least 19 protesters have died since the protests first erupted on June 18.
President William Ruto said on Sunday during a media roundtable at State House that he wasn’t aware of a higher figure of casualties.
The clergy released the statement at the end of a two-day induction workshop by officials elected to NCCK committees in Embu, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Nyeri, Nyandarua and Laikipia counties.
They sent condolences to families who have lost their loved ones due to police brutality in the last two weeks and wished the injured quick recovery.
“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.