Church calls for an end to extra-judicial killings

Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) leaders led by Archbishop Jackson ole Sapit speak at All Saints Cathedral, Nairobi, July 19, 2024. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

The Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) has called for an end to extra-judicial killings and State abductions against innocent Kenyans demanding accountability and good governance. 

Led by Archbishop Jackson ole Sapit, the church also wants prosecution of officers issuing shoot-to-kill orders during the anti-government demonstrations led by Gen Zs and Millennials. 

Speaking on Friday during a press briefing at All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi, Ole Sapit expressed regret over the manner in which the police unleashed violence against peaceful protestors. 

“We are dismayed by the police brutality and arbitrary arrests, and demand an end to extra-judicial killings and use of excessive force against peaceful protestors,” he said.

He added: “We demand that abductions must stop and those held in police custody be released immediately... the emerging trend of arresting or abducting of Kenyans who hold contrary opinions must stop.” 

The month-long protests across the country, fuelled by punitive tax policies, have so far claimed at least 50 lives, with the police bearing huge blame over the deaths. 

The attacks on protestors by the police have now extended to journalists covering the demos, as some have recently been shot while others have faced abductions. 

Ole Sapit emphasised on media freedom, castigating the State over attempts to intimidate scribes. 

And while acknowledging the achievements by Gen Zs that have seen President William Ruto, among other concessions, drop the controversial Finance Bill and dismiss his Cabinet, Ole Sapit appealed to the youths to call off the demonstrations and give Head of State time to effect the transformations. 

“We appeal to them to give the government time and chance to implement changes that are demanded,” he stated, pledging to monitor and report the progress made in the implementation process. 

Ole Sapit, however, expressed his support for the push for good governance and accountability and appealed for the abolishment of the contentious university funding model. 

“We recommend a thorough review of the funding model to ensure it is inclusive and promotes equity. Many young people are on the streets because they cannot access education or are unemployed,” he said. 

The leader said the current ‘crisis’ he termed as an evolution has offered an opportunity for reforms even as he committed that the church will be in the forefront in championing for integrity and defend the pulpit from abuse by politicians. 

Meanwhile, Woman Representatives from all 47 counties have embarked on a national campaign to engage Gen Zs through their parents to stop anti-government protests.

This came as a group of the lawmakers camped in Kinangop, Nyandarua County, where they met local women with calls to engage their children on the need to maintain peace and order.

Nyandarua Woman Rep Faith Gitau said President William Ruto has agreed to a raft of demands including dropping the controversial Finance Bill and sacking his Cabinet.