Catholic bishops challenge President William Ruto to stop silencing youth, deliver justice

Kenya’s Catholic bishops have called on young people to continue expressing their grievances through peaceful protests, while demanding answers from the government over killings, disappearances and brutality witnessed during last year’s demonstrations.

Addressing the media on Tuesday, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) urged youth to protest lawfully, even as they sharply criticised government agencies for what they termed as shrinking civic space, selective justice, and violent suppression of dissent.

They said the voices of young people must not be silenced but heard and respected.

“As bishops, we appeal to the youth to exercise their rights peacefully and within the law,” said KCCB Chairperson, Rev. Maurice Muhatia.

“Since then, the Church and other civic actors have sought to engage them meaningfully, offering platforms for dialogue and participation,” he added.

Demand for accountability

The bishops expressed deep concern over police actions during the 2024 protests and the increasing cases of extrajudicial killings and forced disappearances.

They called for justice and a national reflection on the value of every human life.

“We have witnessed the harassment, abduction, and in some cases, killing of young people whose only offence was raising their voice for accountability and justice,” Muhatia said.

They recalled the deaths of several young Kenyans, including blogger Albert Ojwang and others who died during the protests.

They also highlighted the killing of Boniface Kariuki, shot at close range by a police officer, calling it a shocking incident that reflects a deeper problem in the country.

“The cold-blooded shooting of Boniface Kariuki by a police officer at point-blank range is most shocking. Security officers are sworn to protect, not to harm,” Muhatia noted.

The bishops warned that the continued failure to prosecute those behind these killings weakens the country’s justice system and fosters impunity.

“These are not merely names. These are our brothers, sisters, priests, sons and daughters and friends who deserved protection and justice,” said Rev. Muhatia.

Nyeri Archbishop Anthony Muheria said the police and state officials must be held accountable for working alongside criminal elements during the chaos.

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“How can goons work together with the police? We demand justice for all those murdered and those shot, and the conviction of all the perpetrators,” he stated.

Appeal to government and security agencies

The bishops reminded the government that it has a duty to protect its people and should not be the cause of their suffering.

“The government’s primary responsibility is to protect its citizens, not to threaten, silence, or punish them,” Muheria said.

They condemned the “selective application of the law,” calling it a dangerous trend that risks further alienating already frustrated youth.

“A society that instils fear in its youth for simply speaking out is a society walking away from justice,” Muheria added.

The statement noted that last year’s protests, largely led by youth, reflected deep concerns about taxation, corruption, and exclusion from national decision-making.

“These youth-led demonstrations reminded us of the power of civic consciousness and the rightful place of young people in shaping the country’s direction,” Muheria said.

They urged authorities to ensure that future demonstrations are not hijacked by violence or allowed to escalate into bloodshed.

“We call on the security agents to ensure we do not have a repeat of the protected goons who brought violence in the recent protests,” he said.

A call to honour the fallen

The bishops concluded by demanding a permanent memorial to honour the young Kenyans who died during the protests.

“They should not have lost their lives, yet we cannot bring them back. It is fair to give them a fitting memorial,” Muheria said.

They also reminded Kenyans that every life matters - whether rich or poor, politically connected or unknown.

“When a poor village boy violently loses his life, it is just as tragic as when an important politician dies. Kenya deserves better,” said Rev. Muhatia.