The Siaya Church Leaders Forum has called on young people and political organizers to avoid street demonstrations during the upcoming Gen Z protest commemorations and instead hold peaceful services in places of worship. The appeal comes amid preparations for nationwide remembrance events linked to previous protest-related incidents.

The forum said it is concerned about the safety of young people and the risk of escalation during public gatherings.

Speaking to the press on June 24, 2026, Bishop James Opiyo Anyango, Chairman of the Siaya Church Leaders Forum, said the Constitution guarantees the right to picket but urged restraint in how it is exercised.

“While we recognize the right to picket as enshrined in the Constitution, history tells us that in most cases, such demonstrations end up in violence, loss of lives, and destruction of property,” Bishop Anyango said. “As the clergy of Siaya, we therefore advise that the forthcoming commemoration of the Gen Z protest should avoid street demonstrations and provocation of the security agents.”

Call for peaceful conduct and restraint

Organizing Secretary Wilfred Amolo also appealed for calm, noting that young people are often the most affected when protests turn violent. He said that while intentions may be peaceful, events on the ground can change quickly.

“Our daughters and sons lose their lives because they go and provoke the police into violence,” Amolo stated. “The police are there to protect lives, but if they are provoked to an extent that properties are being destroyed, then they also end up opening fire on our innocent children.”

The clergy urged political leaders to reduce tensions ahead of the next General Election, expected in about 14 months, and to encourage citizens to focus on voter registration activities instead of street protests.

Focus on elections and civic participation

Bishop Anyango said the current administration remains in office until the next election cycle and emphasised that voting remains the constitutionally recognised avenue for leadership change.

“No need for insults and disrespect to the authority… mwananchi will have time to make decisions,” he said, cautioning against a return to political unrest witnessed in past election cycles, including 2007.

Amolo added that citizens have the power to determine leadership through the ballot.

“If somebody ever wants to change things politically, then we have the vote. In the next 14 months, we are able to vote out whoever we don’t want.”

The forum also thanked President William Ruto’s administration for initiating compensation programmes for families affected by previous unrest and urged that the process be fair, inclusive, and comprehensive.

The appeal by the Siaya clergy comes as part of broader calls for peaceful commemorations across the country, with religious leaders encouraging reflection, unity, and the use of worship spaces as alternatives to street gatherings.