Clergy calls for peace ahead of June 25 anniversary protests
By Emmanuel Rono, June 23, 2026Religious leaders have called for peace and restraint ahead of Thursday, June 25th’s planned demonstrations commemorating victims of the June 2024 anti-government protests.
The leaders, drawn from various faith groups and led by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), urged both the government and opposition leaders to set aside their differences and embrace dialogue to avert possible unrest during the anniversary events.
Speaking in Nairobi on June 23, 2026, KCCB chairman Archbishop Maurice Muhatia emphasised the need to protect human life, saying all participants in the planned demonstrations should uphold the dignity of every person.
“We call for the respect of the dignity of human life in everything that we do. Whoever participates in any activity, in any demonstration, must bear in mind the critical importance of the dignity of human life that has to be protected,” Muhatia said.
Peaceful demonstrations
The clerics also appealed to protesters to exercise their constitutional right to demonstrate peacefully and avoid destruction of public or private property.
“It is important that all of us as Kenyans respect the dignity of human life and property, both private and public,” Muhatia added.
The call comes as some Kenyans prepare to mark the anniversary of the June 25, 2024 protests, during which more than 60 young people are reported to have lost their lives.
Need to address issues by GenZ
The faith leaders further urged national institutions to listen to the concerns being raised by citizens, particularly the youth.
“This respect for the dignity of life must have its foundation in listening to all the voices of Kenyans, young and old alike. All must listen: the government, the judiciary, the parliament,” Muhatia said.
“There is a growing concern that goonism are having official support. Can the government dispel this suspicion from the minds of the citizens?”Anthony Muheria stated.