Catholic Bishops call for an end to abductions, killings during demos

The Bishops said those responsible for giving illegitimate orders must take personal responsibility.

In Summary
  • In a statement on Monday, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops described the action as "illegal and criminal".
  • The Bishops said those responsible for giving illegitimate orders must take personal responsibility.
The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops during a past press conference at Russel House, Karen, Nairobi on April 20, 2023.
The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops during a past press conference at Russel House, Karen, Nairobi on April 20, 2023.
Image: FILE

Catholic Bishops have called for an end to the abductions that have been witnessed in the country following the Gen Z protests.

In a statement on Monday, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops described the action as "illegal and criminal".

The Bishops said those responsible for giving illegitimate orders must 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. "You have heard that it was said to the men of old, 'You shall not kill, and whoever kills shall be liable to judgment," they said.

The Bishops regretted the loss of young lives during the said demos.

They emphasised that nothing could justify the killings as the protesters were unarmed and were protesting in daylight.

The Bishops condemned the people behind the killing of the young people and asked the government to ensure the culprits were identified to face the full force of the law.

"As Bishops, we caution the law enforcers to adhere to their code of conduct. No law allows unwarranted arrest, torture, or killing of people," they said.

"We have seen protests and demonstrations in the past, we are coming out of serious protests, and there is a possibility of protests and demonstrations happening in the future".

The Bishops said it is time Kenya learnt from the past that violence and brutality do not solve conflicts nor does it create a peaceful environment.

Instead, they said, police should target goons who take advantage of peaceful demonstrations to cause havoc.

"We believe our police can do their job professionally," the Bishops said.

"We continue to pray for those nursing injuries or undergoing counselling because of the traumatic experiences they went through. We also pray for the families affected and assure them of our moral support".

The government has acknowledged that at least 25 protesters died during the protests although the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) put the death toll at 41 and 360 injuries.

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