Dear Kenyans, the Catholic Bishops appeal for non-violence at all costs and return to dialogue. We have made all efforts to appeal to both the President and Leader of Opposition to find a peaceful way to end the seeming standoff.

 Specifically, we have appealed to Azimio la Umoja to seek alternative strategy that would not hold the entire country hostage and lend itself to violence and destruction.

The recent demonstrations have resulted in injuries, property damage, trauma and loss of lives. We now see threat of escalation in the declared three days of demonstration per week.  There is no justifiable reason whatsoever to be violent. We know that engaging in peaceful protests and demonstrations allows individuals to express their grievances and concerns without causing harm to themselves or others.

Can we truly hope against hope that demonstrations will be peaceful after the experience in all previous demonstrations? We condemn what we have seen simmering as ethnic-based violence spotted in some parts of our country. We now make this passionate appeal to President William Ruto and Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga to give dialogue a chance.

We demand that the failed bipartisan talks should resume in a different context that brings on board religious leaders and some other eminent persons and bodies.  We believe there is no problem, however difficult, that cannot be solved through dialogue. We must at all costs avoid the loss of lives. 

The high cost of living has created a burden on families, making it difficult for them to meet their basic needs and maintain a decent standard of living.  We realise that many are struggling to afford essential goods and services, to secure stable employment, or are facing financial hardships that affect education and healthcare access.

Within this background, the recently enacted Finance Act places an unsustainable burden on already distressed citizens, especially those within the low income bracket. We, therefore, ask the President to repeal the Finance Act and institute a process that will seek to achieve the same goals within the current economic context. 

We strongly condemn police brutality inflicted upon innocent Kenyans during demonstrations. We understand there are criminals who disguise themselves among protesters to vandalise property, steal from people, injure and even kill people in their evil schemes. These are the ones the police should go for to ensure peaceful demonstrations are conducted according to the law.

Many Kenyans feel unheard and overlooked by their government. We hear different discordant and often conflicting messages from Government leaders daily. We are particularly appalled by unbecoming, insulting and inciting statements made by the leaders. This is causing confusion among the population regarding the direction the country is taking.

Many things remain unclear on Government policy and direction; for example, education, health, plight of poor, strategies to improve employment among others. The lack of transparency and accountability of social funds during Covid-19 and drought has aggravated feelings of isolation and neglect.

To restore trust and address concerns of the people, it is imperative for the government to actively listen to the plight of Kenyans, provide clear and honest explanations for unfulfilled promises, and prioritise policies that alleviate socio-economic burdens.

We call for adherence to the rule of law by both the citizens and leadership. This includes respect for court orders and rulings. Dear Kenyans, despite the challenges and uncertainties faced by the country, it is essential to remember that Kenya possesses the potential to develop local solutions to address its problems.

 It is crucial not to lose hope and succumb to despair. By working together and engaging in constructive dialogue, Kenyans can collectively brainstorm and implement innovative approaches to tackle the socio-economic issues at hand.

We propose a consensus building convention under the auspices of religious leaders with a multi-sectoral participation to identify the major issues ailing our country and to map out a path we can walk together in order to address them.

In conclusion, we all have an obligation to pursue peace, avoid violence, and respond to wrongdoing with love, forgiveness and righteousness.

 — A statement by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops