Christ is the Answer Ministries (CITAM) bishops have issued more demands to President William Ruto on the Finance Bill 2024 protests.
In a statement dated June 29, Presiding Bishop Calisto Odede noted that the protests worsened due to the delayed response from the government and the misrepresentation of the views of the populace by majority of the members of parliament (MPs) in their voting.
Bishop Odede said the delay escalated to the extent that many lives were lost, and properties were destroyed.
CITAM expressed pain and grief due the excessive force that was meted on unarmed protestors by some of the police officers leading to loss of lives.
“We recommend that a full investigation be conducted and those found culpable be brought to book. Similarly, we identify with the families of those police officers who lost loved ones as well,” the bishops said.
Besides, the Church condoled people who lost their family members and friends in the demonstration and wished the injured ones a quick recovery.
CITAM further encouraged the government and well-wishers to assist those who were injured and those who were bereaved.
Praises to Gen Z
Additionally, the Bishops appreciated the Gen Zs for their engagement with issues of national interest.
According to the bishops, the youth mobilized protests against unfair tax regimes in a legal manner that was apolitical and devoid of ethnic innuendoes.
They also applauded Gen Z for pricking the conscience of the church to purge the pulpits from undue influence by politics and politicians.
“Indeed, they truly showed us that, as the clergy, we should not politicize Christianity, and neither should we Christianize politics. We the clergy have certainly listened to your prophetic call,” the statement reads in part.
Ruto Rejecting Finance Bill & Calls for Talks
Further, CITAM acknowledged President Ruto for rejecting the Finance Bill 2024, and putting into place measures that would reduce government expenditure.
The Church asked the president to extend the measures to other areas as well so as to ease the heavy tax burden Kenyans are bearing.
“We are also encouraged by the openness of the President to engage with the young people in mapping out country together and pray that this offer will be accepted,” CITAM said.
Also Read: Ruto Vows to Punish Protesters Who Set Parliament on Fire
KDF Deployment
However, the Church advised President Ruto to allow the police handle anti-finance protests and restrict the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to handling external threats.
“We appreciate the various roles our military has played worldwide as peacemakers but recommend that the military should be deployed against external aggression and that the police should be allowed to handle matter of picketing in an orderly manner,” CITAM said.
Also Read: President William Ruto: What About if He Leads Kenya to a Re-Birth of the Nation?
Youth Shaping Kenya’s Future
The Church pointed out that the courage, passion and the focus of Gen Zs has shown that Kenya has a future with champions of integrity and accountability.
“We pray that this goodwill is not hijacked by criminals and others with ill intention who would besmirch the character of Gen Zs,” the bishops said.
CITAM’s observations, analyses, and responses to the Finance Bill protests were communicated through media platforms including Hope TV and Radio, and in collaboration with the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya (EAK).
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