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The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops has accused politicians both from the government and the opposition of engaging in activities of hate, revenge and anarchy.

In a statement on Sunday, April 2, 2023, the bishops’ association chairman Martin Kivuva accused politicians from across the divide of failing to listen to the cry of Kenyans and further escalating violence in the anti-government protests being led by Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition party.

“Many people have been hurt, others have lost their lives. People’s property has been destroyed and goods looted. Goons seemed to roam freely. People have lost their livelihoods. Innocent children have found themselves in the middle of the mayhem and suffered injuries. And still more, some places of worship have been set ablaze by arsonists,” the statement read in part.

“We have witnessed just a glimpse of what our country can degenerate into through irresponsible threats and inciting of Kenyans by political leaders, reckless actions by leaders and citizens and gross negligence and mistreatment by the law enforcement agents. Instead of seeking solutions, our political leaders have chosen to escalate hate, revenge and anarchy without care for our country. Both Government and opposition have refused to face the reality, giving lame excuses for their grave wrong actions and each played victim to the Kenyans to win sympathy.”

The bishops have called on President William Ruto and Azimio leader Raila Odinga to make peace for the country, especially during the Muslims’ holy month of Ramadhan, which has coincided with Christians’ holy week of lent.

“We are entering a most sacred time of the Holy Week when Christians commemorate the major events of Christianity. Our Muslim brothers and sisters are also in the Holy Month of Ramadhan. We are greatly disappointed that our ardent plea to our leaders to respect this holy time by suspending demonstrations for respect to God who they claim to give honour has been totally ignored and even mocked,” the statement added.

The bishops have also pleaded with the police, in their individual capacity not to participate in demonstrations this week, and to refrain from all acts of violence or aggression.

They have also asked for the suspension of celebrative gatherings and prayer meetings organized by government and political leaders.

“We as Catholic Bishops, now demand a truce and suspension of all political demonstrations from the opposition. We also ask for the suspension of celebrative gatherings and prayer meetings organized by the Government and political leaders. With the political nuances witnessed in such gatherings and prayer meetings, we question the intention behind them,” Kivuva added.

The bishops demand an apology from police

The bishops have also demanded for an apology from the security forces due to their negligence, that has led to people losing their properties during protests.

“We also demand an investigation and arrest of goons who were engaged in theft and destruction of property and their sponsors. It is totally unacceptable that we give reign to unruly and unlawful acts of thuggery and celebrate them. The grave negligence on the part of the security forces is truly inexcusable. A public apology is called for,” Kivuva said.

“The police must carry out their duty without favour in protecting citizens, safeguarding their property and apprehending people who either break the law or take the law in their hands. There should not be discriminative protection or apparent discriminative negligence.”

The catholic clergy have called on all houses of worship in the country to conduct prayers next week, which is regarded as holy in the Catholic calender.

“We ask and request that next week, Holy Week, special prayers be organized in all places of worship and even in our communities and families for a lasting solution to the disintegration of the country’s hard earned democracy that we are witnessing. As we witness the suffering of Christ, let us examine how we as citizens and especially our leaders are betraying the very truth that he dies for, that is, mercy and forgiveness,” Kivuva added.