Catholic bishops have called on the government to end police brutality and stop treating protesting youth as enemies, while urging young Kenyans to remain peaceful in their demands for justice and accountability.

Through the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), the Church on Tuesday condemned recent killings, abductions and intimidation of protesters, saying such acts dishonour the Constitution and expose a moral crisis within state institutions.

They called for immediate justice and the conviction of those responsible for the violence during the 2024 demonstrations.

Nyeri Archbishop Anthony Muheria said the country cannot afford to ignore the pain and fear caused by the state’s response to protests.

“The government’s primary responsibility is to protect its citizens, not to threaten, silence, or punish them,” he said.

“A society that instils fear in its youth for simply speaking out is a society walking away from justice.”

The bishops recalled how protests led by young people were sparked by concerns over taxation, unemployment and poor leadership, but instead of being heard, many were met with excessive force.

“These youth-led demonstrations reminded us of the power of civic consciousness and the rightful place of young people in shaping the country’s direction,” Muheria states.

“Rather than nurturing constructive youth participation, some state agencies have chosen to suppress it,” he added.

KCCB Chairman Rev. Maurice Muhatia acknowledged that many young Kenyans took to the streets out of frustration.

“The frustration the young people are venting is an expression of a deep and serious concern shared by most Kenyans,” he said.

“We appeal to the youth to exercise their rights peacefully and within the law,” Muhatia added.

He said the church and civic actors have continued to offer dialogue platforms and support to the youth. However, the bishops said their efforts were being undermined by violence and state-sponsored intimidation.

“We have witnessed the harassment, abduction, and in some cases, killing of young people whose only offence was raising their voice for accountability and justice,” Muhatia noted.

“These incidents are not isolated. They follow a disturbing pattern that threatens our national commitment to the Constitution and human rights.”

The bishops condemned the killing of protester Boniface Kariuki by police, describing the shooting as horrifying and unacceptable.

“The cold-blooded shooting of Boniface Kariuki by a police officer at point blank range is most shocking,” Muhatia said.

“Security officers are sworn to protect, not to harm.”

They also questioned the role of criminals during the protests and demanded answers from authorities. “How can goons work together with the police? We demand justice for all those murdered and those shot, and the conviction of all the perpetrators,” Muheria said.

Honouring the Fallen, demanding change

The bishops called for a national memorial to honour those killed during the protests, saying their deaths must not be forgotten.

“They should not have lost their lives, yet we cannot bring them back. It is fair to give them a fitting memorial,” Muheria said.

They warned that failure to hold perpetrators accountable sends the wrong message to society. “Kenya must stop at a loss of life and not just move on when a poor village boy violently loses his life,” said Muhatia.

“It is just as tragic as when an important politician dies. Kenyans must mourn both equally.”

The bishops said a nation that ignores the cries of its youth and allows injustice to go unchecked risks losing its future. “Young people deserve listening and support, not suppression,” Muheria said.

“They are citizens with valid concerns who should be heard and supported in building a better future for all.”