Anglican Church calls for compensation for protest victims

Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit of the Anglican Church of Kenya has called on the government to take full responsibility for the deaths, injuries, and destruction of property resulting from recent nationwide protests.

Raising concern over what he described as the country’s dangerous drift into “unrest, thuggery, and chaos,” the Archbishop demanded that affected families and business owners be compensated and that those responsible for extra-judicial killings and looting face justice.

In a strongly worded message issued on behalf of the Church’s bishops, Ole Sapit appealed to Kenyans to reconsider their direction as a nation. He condemned the use of excessive force by police during demonstrations, particularly alleged shoot-to-kill or shoot-to-maim orders, and insisted that all law enforcement actions must adhere to legal and constitutional standards.

"We condemn the 'shoot to kill' order as well as shoot to maim or break legs. Let the police execute their mandate within the provisions of the law, arrest suspects and those found guilty of stealing, destroying properties or committing other crimes be prosecuted," the statement read.

The Church also expressed concern over the emergence of goons and organised groups that were involved in violence during the protests.

It called for thorough investigations into all acts of brutality, looting, and killings, and demanded that those responsible be brought to justice.

Addressing political leadership more broadly, the Archbishop criticised public rallies for stoking division and urged both government and opposition leaders to tone down rhetoric and avoid ethnic mobilisation. He encouraged youth to register as voters and seek change through democratic processes rather than through the streets.

“While demonstrations and picketing are constitutional rights, we urge organisers and participants to stop holding protests, as they have become deadly and destructive,” said Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit.

“With the police unable to maintain law and order during such events, we encourage alternative, peaceful ways of engaging the government. Let young people register as voters and take part in lawful democratic processes to drive the change they want.”

On electoral reforms, Ole Sapit welcomed the court's green light for reconstituting the IEBC and called for immediate preparations for by-elections, voter registration, and cleanup of the voter roll.

"The commissioners should start preparations and hold the pending by-elections without further delay. We demand a transparent clean-up of the national voter register, the registrar of persons to facilitate the issuance of IDs, and voter registration undertaken in every part of the country."

The Archbishop also cautioned against the proposed construction of a church at State House, saying such a move could be seen as exclusionary. He recommended neutral spaces for private prayer to serve all citizens equally.

'The presidency is a symbol of national unity, and it is important that no faith may seem left out on account of this. We note that already there are so many churches around State House available to residents of all denominations," the church said.

"Besides, moderate prayer rooms can be created for individual or private devotions for persons who must worship on the site."

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