Cleric tells police to stop using excessive force on protesters

The Disciplined Services Chaplain Father Peter Kimani was presiding over mass for disciplined service officers and other government officials at St Paul’s Catholic Church in Homa Bay Town. Police who maintain law and order during demonstrations have been urged to avoid handling protestors in a provocative manner [James Omoro, Standard]

The Disciplined Services Chaplain, Father Peter Kimani, has called on the police to stop using excessive force on Gen Z protestors.

Fr Kimani told the officers to handle peaceful protestors in a humane manner to avert loss of lives.

“Let our uniformed officers who handle the protestors avoid doing so in a provocative manner that is likely to lead to lawlessness,” he said.

Speaking during the Southern Nyanza region prayer service for uniformed and disciplined officers at St Paul’s Catholic Church in Homa Bay Town, the cleric asked security officers to exercise self-control.

He urged the protestors to avoid provoking police during the demonstrations.

“There are cases when protestors provoke police officers. Let them avoid doing so,” Kimani said.

The cleric urged parents to sensitise their children about the consequences of violence in a country.

He said nobody should destroy property during demonstrations.

“Let the aggrieved youth calm down and listen to what they are being told by leaders of this country and their parents. It’s wrong for anybody to leave their home to go and destroy other people’s property,” Kimani said.

He said the fact that the law provides for the right to picket Kenyans should not take advantage of this to contravene the rights of other people.

The cleric told the youth to engage in the demonstrations responsibly.

“Let the youth participate in demonstrations over issues that can be corrected. Kenyans should also begin to correct themselves before they engage in demonstrations,” Fr Kimani said.

Homa Bay Deputy County Commissioner Charles Mwayaya said President William Ruto should be accorded adequate time to deal with grievances raised by Gen Z.

“The President has begun taking action by declining to assent to the Finance Bill 2024, dissolution of his Cabinet and eliminating funding in some offices. Let him be given time," Mwayaya said.

He appealed to the church to advocate for peace in the county.

“Let our clergy speak to youth on the risks the county may be in if the protests perpetuate,” Mwayaya said.

Heads of different security units from Migori, Nyamira, Kisii and Homa Bay counties attended the service.