Nairobi, Kenya
Church leaders from different denominations have pledged their support for the youth participating in anti-government protests. They have called on President William Ruto to dissolve his cabinet, reconstruct it, and ensure that police officers who used excessive force against protesters are held accountable under the law.
The young demonstrators successfully advocated for the rejection of the controversial 2024 Finance Bill, which would have increased the cost of living. On 7th July, protesters gathered for the “Saba Saba” rally at Uhuru Park in Nairobi, the capital of the country. They gathered to hold prayers and memorial services in honour of the lives of at least 43 people who were recently killed during the anti-tax protests.
People react as the leave after attending a concert in memory of people who were killed during a demonstration against the imposition of tax hikes by the government, in Nairobi, Kenya, on 7th July, 2024. PICTURE: Reuters/Monicah Mwangi
In Kenya, “Saba Saba”, a Swahili expression for “seven seven” referring to 7th July, is remembered as the day when nationwide protests against one-party dictatorship and demands for free elections took place. These protests led then-President Daniel Moi to make Kenya a multi-party state.
The youths are also demanding that Ruto unconditionally resign following his recent public apology for the “arrogance and show of opulence” displayed by ruling party legislators and ministers amid the tax hike protests. The protests saw police shooting civilians, parts of the parliament building being set on fire, and protesters storming parliament during a finance bill vote.
“Ruto must go! We no longer need him!” one of the protesters shouted during the rally that was attended by hundreds of thousands of youths. “He promised us heaven during the campaign, but now we are living in hell. There are no jobs, corruption is very high within his government, and the cost of living has gone up.”
Religious leaders, while praying for slain protesters and the recovery of the injured, praised the youth for their patriotism and selflessness. They warned the government not to ignore the protesters’ grievances, noting that the protesting youth constitute 75 per cent of the population of over 58 million people and cannot be ignored.
“Young people have spoken and their voice is now clear,” Archbishop Philip Anyolo urged Ruto to heed their call during prayers on 7th July at the Holy Family Basilica in Nairobi, to honour those killed in anti-government protests.
“We pray that the leadership of our nation will hear the voice of the young people and other Kenyans clamoring to be heard,” he added. “The youths are saying that the status quo or empty promises will not silence them. They are willing not to be silenced or given handouts because they will speak, and one way they have done so is through the recent protests.”
The outgoing general secretary of Evangelical Alliance of Kenya, Nelson Makanda, praised the youth for fighting for a better Kenya and condemned the police for using excessive force to contain the protests.
“We empathise and condole with families who lost their lives and pray for the healing of those injured,” he said, while demanding better governance and justice for those who were killed and injured by the police during the protests.
The faithful carry placards as they react during a Mass to remember victims of anti-government protests who were killed during a demonstration against the imposition of tax hikes by the government, at the Holy Family Basilica in Nairobi, Kenya, on 7th July, 2024. PICTURE: Reuters/Thomas Mukoya
The church leaders have announced that politicians will no longer be permitted to address worshippers during church services. In the past, politicians have frequently visited churches to help raise funds for development projects and to speak to their constituents about various issues. However, young protestors have accused religious leaders of accepting money from corrupt politicians.
“We will no longer invite politicians to the pulpit or allow them to donate corrupt money,” stated National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) Secretary General Canon Chris Kinyanjui. He urged member churches to adhere strictly to these guidelines to prevent politicians from using the church platform for political purposes.
Additionally, the leaders called upon Ruto’s administration to demonstrate goodwill by releasing over 600 Kenyans who were arrested or abducted by police during the nationwide protests.
“It is unacceptable that young people are being abducted for speaking their truth. We demand the release of anyone who is still being held,” stated Anyolo.
