Religious leaders urge youth to cancel protests, embrace dialogue

Religious leaders, through the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK), have pleaded with the youth to call off the protests planned for tomorrow, advocating instead for dialogue to resolve their grievances.

Sheikh Muhammad Khalifa, the CIPK organising secretary, addressed the recent unrest in the country triggered by youth-led protests against the Finance Bill 2024.

He pointed out that the demonstrations led to the dissolution of the cabinet, including the Attorney General, and the resignation of key government officials, including the Inspector General of Police.

“In response, the President took significant steps by dissolving the cabinet and dismissing the IG and Attorney General. Additionally, he refused to sign the Finance Bill 2024. We acknowledge these bold actions,” said Sheikh Khalifa.

While acknowledging the constitutional right to protest, Sheikh Khalifa emphasised the need for peace, saying, “Recent protests have been marred by criminal activities, causing disruptions and destruction. We urge the youth to seek peaceful means to express their concerns."

The CIPK called for sustained peace and urged the youth to present their issues directly to the president.

“We appeal to the youth to pause their protests to prevent further chaos and violence. Parents across the nation are anxious about their children's safety during these demonstrations,” Sheikh Khalifa added.

The clerics also emphasised the importance of focusing the proposed dialogue on national security and development. They praised the President's recent signing of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2024, into law and expressed hope for further positive changes.

Acting IG Douglas Kanja was also commended for his efforts in investigating the recent deaths in Kware, Nairobi.

Acting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja addresses the press at Jogoo House, Nairobi on July 14, 2024. (Photo: Justine Ondieki/EV

“There is a need for thorough investigations to uncover the truth behind these deaths. The public deserves to know whether they resulted from criminal or other sinister activities,” said Sheikh Khalifa.

Additionally, the CIPK called for the formation of a competent, non-political cabinet comprising experienced individuals from various sectors, including youth, business, economics, and security.

Sheikh Hassan Omar echoed the call for dialogue, commending opposition leader Raila Odinga for agreeing to meet the president to address the current crisis.

“We must avoid further destruction and loss of life. Dialogue is the only way forward,” Sheikh Omar stated.

Despite these appeals, Bradley Ouna, speaking separately, confirmed that protests in Mombasa scheduled for Tuesday, July 16, will proceed as planned.

Ouna, a resident, accused politicians of using criminals to disrupt their peaceful demonstrations and called for thorough police investigations into the recent deaths at a quarry in Kware, Nairobi.

On Monday morning, President William Ruto also pleaded with youths to stop their countrywide protests against the government. Speaking in Nakuru Town while opening a new bus park, Ruto said that youths should not allow themselves to be used to make the country ungovernable.

"I want to plead with our youths not to allow themselves to be used and make the country a place where people fight, cause chaos, and bring destruction to properties," said Ruto.

"Let everybody say that we want peace. Because that is our stand as Kenya," said Ruto.

He also accused the Ford Foundation, an American non-governmental organisation (NGO), of funding and backing protests against his administration. The organisation has yet to respond to the allegations.

"Those who are sponsoring the violence, we know them, and I want to call out those who are behind the anarchy in Kenya. Shame on them! I want to ask the people from the Ford Foundation to explain to us what they seek to gain by destabilising Kenya's democracy. I want to plead with our youths not to allow themselves to be used and make the country a place where people fight, cause chaos, and bring destruction to properties," Ruto stated.

President William Ruto lays the foundation stone for the construction of the Keringet fresh produce market in Kuresoi South Constituency, Nakuru County on Monday, July 15, 2024. (Photo: PCS)