The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has issued demands to President William Ruto’s government ahead of the Gen Z protests on June 25, 2025, which aim to commemorate the lives lost during the June 25, 2024, protests.
In a statement, the Catholic clerics urged the government to ensure the safety of protesters during the June 25 demonstrations and to protect them against hired goons.
“We call on the security agents to ensure we do not have a repeat of the protected goons who brought violence to the recent protests. How can goons work together with the police? We demand justice for all those who were murdered and those who were shot, as well as the conviction of all the perpetrators.
These tragedies, on the other hand, should not be exploited by political operators to gain mileage — gathering around mourners or victims only to deliver personal advertisements without offering any relief or solutions,” read part of the statement.
Catholic Bishops Urge Ruto’s Government to Exercise Restraint in Handling Protesters
At the same time, the Catholic bishops urged the government to exercise restraint and avoid using brutality against protesters during the demonstrations.
“The government’s primary responsibility is to protect its citizens, not to threaten, silence, or punish them. A society that instills fear in its youth for simply speaking out is a society walking away from justice. Our young people are not enemies of the State.
They are citizens with valid concerns who should be heard and supported in building a better future for all. Many Kenyan citizens are voicing these same concerns,” added the statement.
Also Read: Ruto Sends Special Message to Police Countrywide
Additionally, the bishops called on the government to take action on enforced disappearances and ensure that extrajudicial killings are investigated by credible, independent bodies.
They also urged that those responsible be held accountable by the law. The clerics also called on the government to acknowledge the mysterious deaths that have occurred under its watch and to make every effort to identify and prosecute the perpetrators.
Government Urged to Accept Positive Criticism
Moreover, the Catholic Clerics urged the government to accept positive criticism arguing that Speaking truth to power is a service to the nation and not an act of rebellion.
“All Kenyans, including journalists, clergy, civil society actors, and especially young people, must be allowed to express themselves without fear. We must not threaten dissenters with death. At the same time, we need to bring decency and respect back to the social expressions of dissent,” said the clerics.
Also Read: Mother of Boy Shot Eight Times in Rongai Speaks on Ruto’s Broken Promises
The bishops further called on citizens and the government to create a culture of dialogue and listen to one another.
“Political opponents must embrace mature dialogue; the government must listen and sit with non-state actors and faith leaders; the youth must be ready to speak and be heard, while also listening to other views,” the bishops stated.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
