Clergy Decries Police Brutality, Urges Restraint in Handling Protesters
By Shadrack Nyakoe
Father Peter Kimani, a chaplain for the security forces, has called on Kenyan police to show restraint when dealing with Gen Z youth during protests.
He condemned recent instances of police brutality, including shootings, abductions, and serious injuries inflicted on protesters.
Father Kimani stressed that parents need to discuss the consequences of their actions with their children.
He also urged Kenyan youths to heed their parents and elders, avoiding destructive behavior during protests.
He highlighted the importance of using the law to maintain order rather than promote lawlessness, insisting on accountability for everyone’s actions.
The prayer service, led by Father Kimani, was attended by representatives from various Kenyan agencies, including the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, the Critical Infrastructure Police Unit, Kenya Forest Service, Kenya Wildlife Service, and the National Youth Service.
During the service, Homa Bay Deputy County Commissioner Charles Mwayaya emphasized the need to give the government adequate time to address the protesters’ concerns.
He also called on the church to advocate for peace in the county.
Read also:- Call for the Cessation of Anti-Government Protests
Elswhere,
A section of leaders from Embu County has called for the immediate cessation of anti-government protests to prevent the country from descending into civil war.
They noted that what began as peaceful demonstrations by young people advocating for good governance has devolved into chaos, resulting in loss of lives and destruction of property.
Former Embu Senator Lenny Kivuti and Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Ruku highlighted that the Anti-Government Protests have been infiltrated by criminals who are looting and causing widespread damage.
They argued that these criminal elements have hijacked the legitimate demands for accountable leadership by the Gen Z revolution.
Kivuti expressed concern that the current situation threatens the political and economic stability of the country.
“The ongoing protests pose a huge threat in social, economic and political stability of the nation. I call on the young people to end the demos as many lives are lost in the course, properties are vandalized and economic activities distracted.” He said, “I’m also urging President William Ruto to follow the law of the country in constitution of the cabinet and not to retain any officer with a bad reputation.”
