Catholic bishops in Kenya are calling on the youth engaged in ongoing protests to embrace dialogue, warning that continued intolerance could lead to anarchy. The demonstrations, which began in June against a controversial finance bill for 2024, have expanded to demands for broader political, governance, and economic reforms.
On July 16, youth protesters, organizing under the Generation Z banner, took to the streets again, Members of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) have warned that youth-led protests may degenerate into anarchy if the young protesters refuse dialogue. The bishops appealed to the Generation Z (Gen Z) youth leading the demonstrations to engage in inclusive conversations.
The bishops, in a statement shared on July 15, emphasized the importance of considering diverse perspectives and respecting social systems that honor God. They cautioned that intolerance to differing ideas could result in divisive and potentially anarchic conversations.
“We request that you open up for inclusive conversations to gain diverse perspectives, there is a real risk that as you push for a truly transformative agenda, you become intolerant to ideas and visions that are not similar to yours,” the bishops stated at a press conference on July 15. They urged the youth to open themselves up to enriching conversations that respect the laws of God and others.
The bishops commended President Ruto for addressing some protester demands but advised the youth to heed the wisdom of their elders and avoid using vulgar slogans during demonstrations. The protests have seen a rise in public outrage over police violence, with at least 40 reported deaths and hundreds injured. The bishops condemned the unlawful actions of law enforcement, calling for an end to abductions and disappearances.
“Based on this lawlessness by law enforcers, the horrible and graphic images of abductions we have witnessed in the past three weeks are disheartening,” the bishops noted. They demanded that those responsible for the illegal detentions take personal responsibility.
Additionally, the bishops denounced police brutality against unarmed protestors and called for justice for those who lost their lives. They urged the government to ensure that those responsible for the killings face the full force of the law.
Despite President William Ruto’s withdrawal of the finance bill and the dismissal of his cabinet, protests have intensified. Ruto has accused the American Ford Foundation of funding the protests, a claim the foundation denied, emphasizing its non-partisan stance and support for peaceful advocacy.
The bishops urged President Ruto to consult widely and prioritize integrity in his new cabinet appointments, advocating for a review of all public appointments to ensure transparency and accountability.
In their detailed statement, the KCCB called on President Ruto to engage in “quiet reflection” before making public statements and to act proactively in addressing governance issues. They stressed the need for strategic actions that respond to the demands of Gen Z and the broader Kenyan population without waiting for protests to escalate.
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Nerus Akatsa
New People Media
