President William Ruto has blamed religious leaders for playing a role in inciting the youth and escalating unrest during recent protests.
Speaking at the 9th edition of the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation and Livelihood Improvement Program on Saturday, July 12, 2025, Ruto cautioned both religious and political leaders against using their platforms to fuel violence and lawlessness under the guise of activism.
“I heard someone ask yesterday, ‘How did we get here?’ concerning the protests. We wouldn’t be in this situation if church leaders and political leaders united to discourage the protests,” he said.
“Religious and political leaders, let us not incite the young people of our nation into situations that lead to violence and lawlessness.”
This comes after Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit of the Anglican Church of Kenya yesterday called on the government to take full responsibility for the deaths, injuries, and destruction of property resulting from the recent nationwide protests.
Ruto Takes Firm Position
Additionally, President Ruto warned that leaders sponsoring violence would be held accountable.
“I want to confirm that anyone who took part in the violence during the protests will face the full arm of the law,” he stressed.
He further pledged that police officers would carry out their duties to ensure those responsible are brought to justice, noting that they have a constitutional responsibility to maintain law and order.
Also Read: Ole Sapit Calls Out Ruto Regime Over Misplaced Priorities
Ole Sapit Calls for Order
Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit urged the nation to take a moment to pause and reflect on its current path, calling on both leaders and citizens to examine whether Kenya is moving toward a future of life or one marked by destruction and death.
“We are seeing our beloved country slowly slipping into unrest, thuggery and chaos,” said Ole Sapit.
Moreover, he called for a comprehensive investigation into all cases of brutality, looting, and loss of life during the protests, insisting that those found guilty must face justice.
Also Read: Ruto Orders Police to Shoot Kenyans in the Leg
The religious leaders condemned the use of excessive force by police during the demonstrations, specifically criticizing alleged shoot-to-kill or shoot-to-maim directives issued against protesters.
“We condemn the ‘shoot to kill’ order as well as shoot to maim or break legs. Let the police execute their mandate within the provisions of the law, arrest suspects and those found guilty of stealing, destroying properties or committing other crimes be prosecuted,” the statement read.
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