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Interfaith leaders denounce police brutality against protesters

Chief Kadhi Abdulhalim Hussein, Haki Africa Executive Director Yusuf Abubakar, Director of Interreligious Dialogue Catholic archdiocese of Mombasa Richard Airo, and Rev Evans Omollo of Anglican Church All Saints Cathedral at the Jacaranda Beach Hotel in Diani on Thursday. Photo: Mishi Gongo

By Mishi Gongo | Thursday, June 27, 2024

The interreligious leaders have called for dialogue to address the countrywide anti-Finance Bill protests.

Kenyan interfaith leaders and rights groups have condemned the police for deploying excessive force against protestors. The leaders on Thursday called for discussion to address the country's anti-Finance Bill protests.

Kenya Chief kadhi Abdulhalim Hussein asked the government to hold accountable officers who killed and injured protesters.

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"It is sad to see young souls losing their lives in the hands of police. They should be held accountable for their actions.We urge the government to have a dialogue with Kenyans,"he said.

The interfaith leaders were referring to the Tuesday protests where several youth died and others sustained serious injuries. Pastor Evans Omollo of Anglican church, All Saints Cathedral urged the government to follow up on the abducted youth and set them free.

"These are not one tribe demonstrations but it is from over 85 per cent of Kenyans who want to be heard by the government. Instead of using violence let the government have a one on one with the youth and address their grievances,"he said.

Director intereligious dialogue commission at the Catholic Archdiocese of Mombasa Richard Airo asked president William Ruto to refrain from using words that can cause chaos in the country.

"The tongue has the power to construct and it also has the power to break depending on who it is used. The president is the symbol for unity. Do not speak and if you must then use words that will bring unity," he said.

Kaya elder Iddi Siwi called for the immediate release of the youth who were illegally arrested during the protests.

He also asked the government to pay for the treatment of all the youth who were injured by the police during the protests.

"They were exercising their constitutional right.Police should not have used excessive force on them,"he said.

Programme officer Haki Africa Mesaidi Omar, called for a speedy investigation on Tuesday injustices and bring all the officers involved with the brutality to book.